Recess fight --any chance of a creative punishment?

[Guest guest]

Got a call on Friday that my son had been in a fight on the

playground with a boy that typically antagonizes my son inside the school constantly. The principal tells me

that the other children on the playground provided the information she has as

the adults didn’t see what happened until after it had happened. The same boy

had thrown a ball at my son’s face and my son had asked the boy, why did you do

that several times. (poor kid actually got the words together in this type of

situation—I’m shocked he could be so verbal. ) When the boy didn’t respond, my

son punched the kid and scrapped with him. The principal tells me that if was

any other kid but mine she’d suspend him for fighting. 

I know I have to document the phone call with a response to

her. I’m wondering what I should discuss about happening to the other boy as

far as punishment? I am thinking of down the road and the hostility that will

build up between the two—or even if the boy will just have it out for my boy

from now on.  The principal wanted

suggested taking away the boy’s recess. I thought that would just make the boy

angry and vengeful . Any room for creativity here? Anyone have a suggestion

that I could include in the letter to the principal? Thank you.