Suspension? That's no punishment. The kid gets to stay home from school. What kind of punishment is that? I recall one instance when I placed a bunch of caterpillers on my teachers desk just before she got to class and got a one day suspension. I was overjoyed of not having to go to school the next day. Most of the time however, I got detentions and extra homework, usually for oversleeping and arriving late. I hated staying after school, so I would try my best to not be late.
If I was principle and kids misbehaved, I would give them extra homework and force them to stay after school to do their homework. I guarantee that they would shape up pretty quick, either that or lose their afternoons by being struck in school.