Maurice Baron, Jr.

1986 to 1987

~ 1.75 yrs

Science teacher - Introduction to Physics & Chemistry: Astronomy; Geology - Assistant Coach Academic Decathlon

Had a teacher's assistant (TA) for a PM class. I referred to him as "Igor" because of a fake limp. He asked to go to the restroom so he took the prefilled out hall pass form with him. While he was gone another male student had a bathroom emergency so I filled out another hall pass. The second male returns and informs me that my TA is smoking in the bathroom. Upon the TA's return I inform the class that access to the prefilled hall pass was ending. Class is in an uproar. One person says "can the class vote on keeping the hall pass but punishing the TA". I asked what is the proposed punishment? Response: you and the TA wait outside the door while we decide the punishment. So the TA and I wait in the hallway for the decision. Shortly, we are asked to return to the classroom. I asked "What is the punishment?" Response: "While we value Igor, we value our hall pass even more so we decided on the death penalty". I commuted the death penalty to no access to the hall pass for the TA - all were pleased. Democracy in action!

I returned to my high school that I gradusated from after graduating Lamar State College of Technology (BS Geology, minor equivalent Chemistry). I guess that that was my "Welcome Back Kotter" moment. That was follwed by work as a lab tech for Olin Chemicals (Beaumont, TX). After that I worked as a Geologist in oil and gas exploration and development for 10- years; followed by teaching at South Houston HS for ~1.75-years; Environmental Consulting (geologist/ health and safety/ translator/ interpreter) for 27-years working in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Grand Cayman, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St. Croix US Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Nicaragua and SE USA. Am now retired, living in Central Louisiana. I collect stamps, do my family & friends genealogy, serve as a volunteer reserve deputy sheriff doing interpretation for prisoner extradiction proceedings. Travel from time-to-time checking off "bucket list" items. But best of all being a grandpa!