Building Blocks

The new Executive Director of Safe and Secure Schools, John Palombo, pulls up a seat to the mic and shares his vision for ensuring the safety and security of all students and staff. Palombo also discusses the plan to mitigate social media threats, outlines his top priorities, and explains how addressing school safety requires a multi-faceted approach.

Pearland ISD's Safe & Secure website: 
https://www.pearlandisd.org/departments/safe-secure-schools/safety-security-information

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

RISE Mentoring is a school-based program where committed, caring adults from the community help students rise above obstacles and succeed in both school and life. In this episode, Pearland ISD's Student Mentor Specialist, Mandy Benedix, shares the vision of the RISE Mentor Program, success stories, and how you can get involved to become a mentor yourself.

To learn more about RISE Mentoring, visit: https://www.pearlandisd.org/departments/rise-mentoring/rise-mentoring.

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

In celebration of Attendance Awareness Month, the Outreach Team sat down with Dr. Berger to explain how their efforts help remove the barriers preventing students from attending school. While school attendance is important and required by law,  Outreach builds bridges between students and parents, creating lasting connections that keep students engaged. 

By listening to this podcast, you'll gain a whole new perspective on what it means when we say, "Make sure your kids attend school."

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

Melissa Ward, the Director of Testing & Program Evaluation at Pearland ISD, sits down with Dr. Berger to discuss STAAR, College and Career Readiness, state assessment results and the various analytics involved in interpreting test results.

Whether you're a teacher, student, parent or community member, this podcast will help you understand how test results are used within our district.

To learn about Testing Accountability visit: https://www.pearlandisd.org/departments/testing-accountability/testing-accountability.

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

The Pearland Livestock Show and Career Expo is a community event where students exhibit livestock, showcase career talents, and compete for scholarships and awards in art, culinary contests, and livestock shows featuring lambs, goats, swine and cattle.

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, James Gilbert, the board president of the Pearland Livestock Show and Career Expo, and Mike Akin, the Career & Technical Education Director, provide all the details about the show and expo. If you haven't attended the Pearland Livestock Show and Career Expo before, you'll be sold on going after listening to this podcast.

Show Schedule:

Wednesday, Sept. 4:
6 p.m.: Pearland Partners Show

Thursday, Sept. 5:
6 p.m.: Lamb & Goat Shows (Pearland ISD Ag Facility)

Friday, Sept. 6:
6 p.m.: Steer, Swine, and Art Show (Pearland ISD Ag Facility)

Thursday, Sept. 12:
5:30 p.m.: Auction Dinner and Live Auction (Turner CCHS Culinary Facility)

To contact James Gilbert and get more information about the Pearland Livestock Show & Expo, email him at [email protected].

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

Aliana Wynn pulls up a chair to the mic and discusses her new role as the Director of Communications. The conversation centers around Wynn's top priority: the Pearland community. She aims to communicate effectively, by being open to new and creative ideas. 

If you would like to contact the communications team email us at [email protected].

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

Dr. Larry Berger brings in Dawn Lyssy, Pearland ISD's Director of Elementary Instruction, to give a quick lesson on the five components of reading, the initiatives Pearland ISD is implementing, and how Pearland ISD supports students struggling with reading. They also discuss ways parents and guardians can get involved in supporting their child's reading development.

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

Season 2 kicks off with Dr. Berger sitting down with Pearland ISD's PTA president, Jennifer Thompson. Mrs. Thompson explains what the PTA is all about and shares how parents can get involved with their child's school, highlighting the various volunteer opportunities available.

As the legislative session approaches, Mrs. Thompson guides us on how to advocate for Pearland ISD. Mark your calendars—PTA Rally Day is February 24, 2025.

The Swap Shop will soon open for the 2024-25 school year. The dates and times are listed below. For more information, visit https://www.pearlandisd.org/news/isd-news-details/~board/pearland-isd-news/post/2024-25-pta-swap-shop-offers-thrifty-wardrobe-solutions

• August 3 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.)
• August 20 (6 p.m.- 8 p.m.)
• September 7 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.)
• September 17 (6 p.m.- 8 p.m.)
• October 5 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.)
• October 15 (6 p.m.- 8 p.m.)
• November 2 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.)
• November 19 (6 p.m.- 8 p.m.)
• December 7 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.)
• December 17 (6 p.m.- 8 p.m.)

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

Dr. Berger and Producer Mac celebrate their 25th Building Blocks episode. With employees taking off for the 4th of July, they decide to interview each other. They go off the cuff and ask each other surprise questions that dive into their lives in and out of working for Pearland ISD. Questions include how the podcast started, why Dr. Berger is a Chiefs fan, and what Producer Mac loves most about her job. If you want to get to know the people behind the mic a little more, you'll want to listen to this episode.

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Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast

Crystal Carbone, the Pearland ISD School Board President, takes a seat at the table with Dr. Berger in this episode of Building Blocks. Mrs. Carbone shares her vision and insights for the upcoming school year and sheds light on the most misunderstood aspects of being a school board member. She provides valuable advice on engaging parents, students, and community members in the decision-making process, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. 

Have questions or an episode suggestion, fill out this form:
https://www.pearlandisd.org/about-us/administration/superintendent-s-page/podcast