8 Yr old. Boy-fighting at school

Hi, I have an 8yr old boy (just turning 8 this March), who has gotten into two physical fights at school with the same boy.  Not terribly serious fights, rough housing on the floor in the hall the first time-the discipline was taking away all of his webkinz for a week.  He was very upset-we talked about his behaviour and he promised not to have it happen again...until it did two weeks later.
Now my husband and I have no idea what the consequence should be for the action.  The teacher caught them "fighting" again in the hall and my son sat on the other boys head.  We just started the conversation with my son about it but have no idea what to do that will be effective in terms of a consequence??  I did tell him that tonight he will need to write out what happened, what he did that was wrong and what he could have done differently so that they did not fight.  Otherwise what is appropriate for this age group in disciplining...I am not sure that "taking something away" will do the trick and really want him to learn why his behavior is wrong.  He says he knows it was wrong and he "doesn't know why he continued in it" with the other boy.   Thanks for any help!!

[Allie25]

It sounds like you are doing the right thing. Keep it up. Boys fight and I don't think they get enough outlets to burn energy during school. This isn't an excuse but it is something to take into account. You're are lucky though- My son is 7 and got into a fight and was suspended for two days. Keep talking to him and taking action. Things will be just fine.

[RockRose]

I can't tell what's going on here - are they fighting in anger,  or is this wrestling that's kind of gone over the limit?  Is this boy a friend and they just tustle very roughly?

If he's actually fighting - in anger and lashing out - that's a different thing than rough play.  He probably should be separated from that boy at school if this is the case.

Is the school reacting at all?  It seems like if this were a real fight your son would be in GRAVE trouble after two fights.

First step,  you need to find out what's motiving this,  and the steps leading up to it,  and he needs to stop before it gets this far.  Does the school have a counselor?