Building Blocks

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger is joined by Tom Bell, Pearland ISD Director of Fine Arts, and Ryan Demkovich, Pearland High School Band Director, for a behind-the-scenes look at the Pride of Pearland. The discussion goes beyond marching band to explore the discipline, leadership, and musicianship that shape students on and off the field. They reflect on the j...

In this episode of Building Blocks, host Dr. Larry Berger talks with Sablatura Middle School Principal Verna Tipton about her journey into leadership, the programs and partnerships that support student success, and the exciting initiatives taking shape on her campus. It’s an inside look at the heart of a middle school built on growth, community, and innovation.  Have questions or an episode sugges...

Before heading off to lead the district, Superintendent of the Day Adele Campbell made her first stop on the Building Blocks Podcast. Host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Adele to discuss leadership, perspective, and her excitement for the day ahead. It’s a great conversation offering a fresh look at what it means to step into district leadership even for just one impactful day. Don’t miss this sp...

In this episode of Building Blocks, Gretchen Meyer, Pearland ISD’s 2025 Secondary Teacher of the Year and the newly appointed Theatre Teacher at Pearland High School joins Dr. Berger at the table. Gretchen introduces herself to listeners and reflects on what it has meant to step into a new role at the high school level after earning one of the district’s highest honors. The conversation explores h...

On this episode of Building Blocks, host Dr. Larry Berger visits with Andrea Clayton, Principal of A-Rated Alexander Middle School, home of the Tigers, to talk about what it takes to build a thriving campus culture. Principal Clayton reflects on her path to the principalship and the moments that make leading Alexander Middle School especially meaningful. Listeners will hear about new initiatives a...

In this episode of Building Blocks, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Adrian Washburn, principal of Pearland High School, for an inside look at what it means to lead one of the district’s first schools and carrying on a proud tradition of excellence.  The conversation highlights the programs, strategies, and traditions that make Pearland High School a place where students thrive, as well as the...

Doing business with a school district can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Building Blocks, Ja’Nice Lockett, Purchasing Coordinator for Pearland ISD, takes listeners inside the Purchasing Department and explains how purchasing supports students, classrooms and daily operations. We break down how businesses can become approved vendors, clear up common misconceptions...

In this Principal Series episode, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Amanda Windsor, Principal of Barbara Cockrell Elementary, to share what drives her leadership and what makes her campus special. Mrs. Windsor talks about what inspired her to become a principal, the programs and traditions she’s most proud of, how her team partners with families and the community, and the new initiatives taking...

In this Principal Series episode, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Veronica August, Principal of Magnolia Elementary, to explore what makes her campus bloom. Principal August shares what inspired her path into leadership, the programs and traditions that define Magnolia’s warm, nurturing culture, and how her team partners with families to help students thrive. She also highlights the innovativ...

In this Principal Series episode, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Beth West, the steady heartbeat of Rustic Oak Elementary. Principal West reflects on her journey in school leadership, the traditions and programs that make Rustic Oak special, and the deep relationships she’s built with families, students, and staff over the years. She also shares the initiatives and campus culture that continue to...

In this Principal Series episode, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Stacie Van Loenen, Principal of Silverlake Elementary, for a look at the leadership, culture, and innovation driving her campus. Principal Van Loenen shares what inspired her journey into school leadership, the programs and traditions that make Silverlake shine, how her team partners with families and the community, and the new...

It’s one of the hottest topics every year...the school calendar, and in this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger pulls back the curtain with the two people who lead the work: Dr. La’Kesha Henson-Vaughn, Executive Director of Intermediate Schools, and Dr. Charles Allen, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Together, they break down what really goes into...

Get ready for a fun episode as Dr. Larry Berger sits down with his mom, Kitty Bethke. She shares what Larry Ray was really like growing up, the funny moments that hinted at who he’d become, and her reaction when he decided to go into education. Kitty talks about the people who shaped him, whether she still gives him mom advice, and what makes her proudest of the superintendent she raised. A light,...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger talks with Harris Elementary Principal LaShonda Pernetter about the heart and vision behind her campus. She shares what drives her as a leader, the unique experiences Harris offers students, and how her team builds strong connections with families and the community. Principal Pernetter also gives a glimpse into the new ideas taking s...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger talks with Pearland Junior High South Principal Jason Frerking about what inspired him to lead, the programs and traditions that make his campus special. Mr. Frerking also shares about the implementation of “flex days” at PJH South and what excites him most about the future of his campus. This episode offers a quick, meaningful look...

In this episode of Building Blocks , Dr. Larry Berger chats with Lawhon Elementary Principal Veronica Rodriguez, whose love for learning and leadership shines through in everything she does. From what first inspired her to become a principal to the campus traditions that make Lawhon such a special place, Rodriguez shares how her team works together to help every student grow and succeed. Have ques...

This special episode of the Building Blocks Podcast breaks format for an important update on Senate Bill 2124 and its impact on advanced programming in Pearland ISD. Dr. Charles Allen and Dr. Cahill join Dr. Berger and Producer Mac to explain why the district is making this shift, what changes families can expect and how Pearland ISD is supporting both students and teachers through the transition....

In this episode of Building Blocks, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Audie Johnson, principal of Pearland Junior High East, to talk about leadership, culture, and what it means to create a true sense of belonging on campus. He dives into one of this year’s most exciting changes, the introduction of the Ron Clark House system at East, and how it’s transforming student engagement, relationships, and...

In this episode of Building Blocks , Dr. Berger sits down with Indira Ramirez, Pearland ISD’s Coordinator of Instruction & Professional Learning, and Angelina Bouchard, Middle School Math Instructional Coach, to dive deep into the district’s approach to instructional coaching. After several principals mentioned the positive impact of coaches on campus, Dr. Berger wanted to explore what instruc...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast we are continuing the Principal Series, with Amy Etchberger, principal of Carleston Elementary. Mrs. Etchberger shares what inspired her to become a school leader, the joys of working with elementary students, and the traditions that make Carleston a welcoming and spirited campus. She also highlights the strong family and community partnerships that s...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast , Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Tony Barcelona, principal of Berry Miller Junior High. Mr. Barcelona shares what led him into educational leadership, the most rewarding parts of guiding students through the pivotal junior high years, and the traditions that make Berry Miller a stand-out campus. He also talks about the school’s strong partnerships wi...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast , Dr. Larry Berger visits with Stacie Muras, principal of Silvercrest Elementary. Mrs. Muras talks about what drew her to school leadership and the unique rewards of working with elementary students at the very start of their educational journeys. She highlights the traditions that give Silvercrest its close-knit feel, the strong partnerships built wi...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast , Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Dr. Kai Bouchard, principal of Robert Turner College & Career High School. Dr. Bouchard shares what inspired him to pursue educational leadership, the most rewarding parts of guiding a campus focused on college and career readiness, and the unique programs that set Turner apart. He also discusses how the school pa...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Dr. Dana Ashley, principal of Pearland Junior High West. Dr. Ashley shares what inspired her to become a principal, the rewarding aspects of leading her campus and the traditions and strategies that make her school unique. She also highlights how West partners with families and the community, along with new initiatives...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Lonnie Grohman of the Pearland Lions Club and Cindy Gutierrez, Pearland ISD communications specialist and manager of the Bright Wishes Giving Campaign. Together, they explore how the Lions Club helps bring holiday joy to families through this cherished tradition, formerly known as the Angel Tree. Listeners will he...