#106 - Principal Series: Inside Massey Ranch Elementary with Melanie Grote
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 Mass...
#107 - SPECIAL REPORT: GRADUATION
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 cove...
#108 - National Board Certified Teachers
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 in...
#109 - Principal Series: Rogers Middle School with Ajunta Thomas
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 build...
#110 - 2026 Pearland ISD Valedictorians
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, M...
#111 - Principal Series: Some Fly, We Soar at Dawson High School with Erin Hamann
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...
#112 - Season 3 Closer
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 ...
#113 - Welcome Back - Season 4 Opener
The Building Blocks Podcast is back for a new season with Pearland ISD Superintendent Dr. Larry Berger and Producer/Co Host Mac!
This season, we’re building on the idea that Every Piece Matters because every student, teacher, staff member, family and community member plays an important role in th...
#117 - Understanding Pearland ISD’s Special Programs with Jennifer Byrne
In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger and Producer Mac welcome Jennifer Byrne, Pearland ISD’s new Director of Special Programs. Jennifer shares her journey into this role, explains the programs and services her department oversees, and discusses how the district works t...
#120 - Teacher Incentive Allotment
What does the Teacher Incentive Allotment mean for Pearland ISD teachers?
On this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger and Producer Mac sit down with two Pearland ISD educators, Norma Contreras, a teacher at Magnolia Elementary, and Kami Morrow, a teacher at Dawson High School...
