Building Blocks

Season 3 comes to a close with a special behind-the-scenes episode of the Building Blocks Podcast. With no guest this time, Dr. Larry Berger and Producer Mac turn the microphones toward each other for an honest conversation about the moments listeners didn’t hear, the episodes that almost didn’t happen, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. It’s reflective, candid, and a fitting close to...

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Erin Hamann, principal of Dawson High School. Their motto says it all: Some fly, we soar …and it’s all about #FAMILY. Principal Hamann shares the journey that led him to campus leadership and what continues to fuel his passion for serving students, staff, and the Dawson community. From the traditions that build a stron...

On this special episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger celebrates excellence across Pearland ISD with the valedictorians from all three high schools. Representing Turner College and Career High School, Adalyn Hoang, Dawson High School, Sofia Budimlic, and Pearland High School, Madelyn Dinh join the conversation to reflect on their journeys to the top of their class. They share th...

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Ajunta Thomas, principal of Rogers Middle School a recently recognized as a “Texas School to Watch.” Principal Thomas shares her journey into campus leadership and the passion that drives her work each day. From building a strong school culture to creating meaningful opportunities for student growth, she offers an insi...

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with two exceptional educators from Turner College and Career High School, Chef Sean Dunn and Caren Wonders, who have recently earned the prestigious National Board Certified Teacher distinction. This conversation dives into what it truly means to pursue the “gold standard” in teaching. Chef Dunn and Caren Wonders share the...

Graduation is coming home to Pearland! In this special report episode of Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Deputy Superintendent Mrs. Kelly Holt to break down everything families need to know about graduation. From parking and seating to what to bring, this quick guide covers the essentials, PLUS livestream details, field access, and who to contact before the big day. Everyt...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Melanie Grote, Principal of Massey Ranch Elementary, to talk about her journey into school leadership and the passion behind her work. Melanie shares the programs, strategies, and campus traditions that make Massey Ranch Elementary a place where students thrive, as well as how strong partnerships with families and...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Dr. Kimberly Darden, Principal of the PACE Center, to discuss her journey into campus leadership and what makes her role so rewarding. Dr. Darden shares the programs, strategies, and traditions that support student growth and success, along with how her campus partners with families and the Pearland community to c...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger talks with Leasia Teelucksingh, Pearland ISD’s 2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year, about her journey into teaching and the passion that drives her work. Leasia shares the core beliefs and daily practices that support her students’ growth, along with how she creates a classroom where children feel safe, valued, and ready to lear...

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger talks with Becky Morris, principal of Challenger Elementary, about leadership, learning, and community. Mrs. Morris shares what inspired her journey into school leadership and what she finds most rewarding about leading her campus. She highlights the programs, traditions, and partnerships that support student growth, as well as...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger welcomes Amanda "Scoreboard" Gordon, principal of Jamison Middle School, for a conversation centered on leadership during one of the most pivotal stages of a student’s journey. Mrs. Gordon discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a middle school campus, where academic growth, social development, and...

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger is joined by two leaders shaping Friday night lights and far beyond, Mike Allison, Head Football Coach at Dawson High School, and BJ Gotte, Head Football Coach at Pearland High School. The conversation explores how UIL realignment reshapes competition and what stands out most in the current landscape. Both coaches reflect on wha...

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with three remarkable seniors from Dawson High School, Myla Jabbar, Catherine Roth, and Tatum Langley, to highlight the vital role student athletic trainers play in school athletics. The students share what inspired them to become athletic trainers and what surprised them most once they stepped into the role. They give...

On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Ryan Peterson, principal of Shadycrest Elementary. Principal Peterson shares his path to school leadership and what he values most about serving students and staff. He highlights the programs, practices, and campus culture that support student growth, as well as the importance of strong partnerships with families...

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...