Building Blocks

Monica Reynolds, the Coordinator of Health Services for Pearland ISD, sits down with Dr. Berger to explain that a nurse's job on campus goes beyond band-aids and ice packs. Parents, you will want to tune into this episode to learn about important issues related to the school clinic. To learn more about Pearland ISD Health Services or to ask questions, you may email Monica Reynolds at reynolds...

In this episode of the 'Building Blocks Podcast,' Dr. Berger sits down with Pearland Police Sergeant Timothy Madrid, who also serves as a School Resource Officer (SRO) for Pearland ISD. Sergeant Madrid explains how an SRO's job goes beyond the badge, emphasizing their role in building positive relationships with students, faculty, and the community within Pearland ISD. He also share...

In this episode, Dr. Berger engages in a conversation with the inaugural student ambassadors from Pearland ISD. Students are among the district's most important stakeholders, and Dr. Berger is committed to ensuring they have a platform to voice their concerns and ideas. Pearland High School Senior Emily Elledge and Dawson High School Junior Claire Fredrickson provide insights into the ambassa...

It is Mental Health Month, and Dr. Berger sits down with Student Support Counselors Melissa McDavid from Turner College & Career High School and Xochil Hinshaw from Pearland Junior High South. They provide Dr. Berger with a definition of mental health, explain the primary stressors for students, and discuss how students can maintain a healthy mindset. Additionally, they offer tips for parents...

Dr. Berger brings in not one, not two, but three guests to the table. These guests are Dawson High School Valedictorian, Benjamin Walsworth-Purkiss; Pearland High School Valedictorian, Carden Tran; and Turner College & Career High School Valedictorian, Melissa Strangis. They discuss challenging experiences, time management, and aiming for that number one spot. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, a...

Director of Athletics, Ben Pardo, gives Dr. Berger the game plan for the Athletics Department in this episode of 'Building Blocks.' Pardo explains that the Pearland ISD athletic program loves to secure wins, but it extends beyond the field or the court. The coaches ensure that prioritizing integrity, character and the academic development of student-athletes is of the utmost importance....

In this episode of 'Building Blocks,' Dr. Berger sits down with the Director of Food Service, Dorothy Simpson. Mrs. Simpson provides a snapshot of what it takes to run a cafeteria within Pearland ISD. She explains the USDA regulations, how they create the student menu, and emphasizes the importance of free and reduced meal applications. Grab a nutritious snack, turn up the volume, and ca...

The Honorable Kevin Cole, Mayor of Pearland, takes a seat at the table with Mr. Berger. They discuss challenges in public school education but agree the main focus should remain on the students. The Mayor also shares stories about the fun things he gets to do in both our community and schools. After listening to this episode, you will see that the Mayor and your proud Superintendent's are wor...

After spending 40 years in the classroom, with 34 of those dedicated to Pearland ISD, teacher Julie Petri sits down with Mr. Berger to explore her career as an educator. Grab a cup of coffee for this one, and lean back to hear Mrs. Petri's stories and understand what it means to have a teacher's heart. This Rustic Oak Elementary pioneer explains how the educational landscape has changed,...

On May 4th, Election Day arrives, and Pearland ISD has two bonds on the ballot: a Technology Bond and an Infrastructure Bond. The Proud Superintendent takes the stage as Producer Mac poses questions regarding the Bond. Mr. Berger informs the voters on the discussed school tax rate, the estimated costs of each bond, and avenues for obtaining further information. Producer Mac also delves into questi...

April is School Library Month, and your proud Superintendent couldn't let this month go by without interviewing a couple of Pearland ISD librarians. Jamison Middle School Librarian Deborah McComb and Turner College and Career High School Librarian Kimberly Herrington fill us in on a day in the life of a librarian. From the lessons they teach to the author visits they host, they explain that t...

The Pearland ISD Job Fair is coming up quickly, and the one question Human Resources receives a lot of during this time is, 'How do I become a certified teacher?' Mr. Berger sits down with Pearland ISD Human Resources Director, Shayla McGrew, and Certification Specialist, Araceli Sarabia, to find out the education and certification requirements for teachers. They also delve into the supp...

In this episode of Building Blocks, your Proud Superintendent, Larry Berger, sits down with Operations Custodial Supervisor Francisco Cerros and Human Resource Services Support Services Specialist Nancy Atilano to discuss the Operations Department. From late-night cleanups to handling unexpected messes with a smile, these individuals play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and welcoming atmosphe...

In this episode of Building Blocks, your Proud Superintendent, Larry Berger, sits down with Dr. Charles Allen, the Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction. They discuss the purpose of a Curriculum and Instruction Audit and why this analysis is beneficial for examining instructional strategies, methods, and resources used to support student learning and achievement. Parents, teachers, ad...

Pearland ISD's 2023 Secondary Teacher of the Year, Kyla Mora, sits down with Mr. Berger and gives him the scoop on The Crossing Newspaper at Turner College & Career High School. Mora is the epitome of how teachers are Building Pearland Proud. Listen to her highlight this student-led paper and feel her enthusiasm through the speakers. If you are interested in advertising in The Crossing, y...

Judge Roy Castillo from Precinct 3 and Susan Holloway, Pearland ISD's Director of Student Outreach & Attendance, join your Proud Superintendent, Larry Berger, for another episode of Building Blocks. Judge Castillo and Ms. Holloway dive into definitions and laws regarding absenteeism and truancy, as well as sharing how Pearland ISD's Outreach Program is tackling truancy to get student...

If you've been wondering what the Pearland ISD Education Foundation is all about, tune into this episode. Mr. Berger takes a seat next to Foundation Director Reesha Brown and Foundation President Tony Carbone to get the skinny on the gala, grants, and goals aimed at innovating Pearland ISD education. Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form: https://www.pearlandisd.org/abou...

It's CTE Month, and our Proud Superintendent, Larry Berger, joins power couple Hunter and Rhonda Morgan at the table. The Morgans, who are Career & Technical Education teachers at Turner College & Career High School, share the history of CTE, highlight the benefits of taking a CTE course, and discuss how they empower students to 'Build Pearland Proud'. Have questions or an e...

Our Proud Superintendent, Larry Berger, is celebrating Love the Bus Month by sitting down with Director of Transportation, Keith Kaup. Grab a seat and listen to Mr. Kaup as he gives us insight on the operations of the bus barn and how the yellow bus provides safety and ease to all our students.  Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form: https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/admin...

Our Proud Superintendent, Larry Berger, sits down with Pearland ISD's Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Dr. Lisa Nixon. Dr. Nixon gives us the 4-1-1 on Intra-District and Inter-District transfers.  This  episode will help you understand all the eligibility requirements, the application process and when the transfer portal opens.  Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill o...

Our Proud Superintendent, Larry Berger, sits down with lead counselors from both Dawson High School and Pearland High School, Kori Spruce and Lisa Cudd. They inform parents about the process of course selection, discuss the resources available to help them, and touch on Texas high school graduation requirements. Parents, you don't want to miss this episode! Have questions or an episode sugges...

Our Proud Superintendent, Larry Berger, engages in a conversation with Pearland ISD Fine Arts Coordinator, Victor Raygoza, and Dawson High School Art Teacher, Teri Zuteck. Mr. Raygoza and Mrs. Zuteck discuss the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Competition, highlighting what makes Pearland ISD so successful in the competition. Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form: https:...

Your Proud Superintendent, Larry Berger, visits with Pearland ISD School Board President, Sean Murphy. Murphy discusses the board's purpose, what Pearland ISD should focus on and funding.  Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form: https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast