Our son is 7 years 9 months old.
Today he got sent home early with a note from the principal:
“Incident: Unauthorized use of school robotics equipment.”
Translation: during recess he convinced Optimus (who was there for “Grandpa Reading Day”) to help him build a cardboard rocket ship around the playground slide.
Then he strapped baby Star (19 months) into the “cockpit” and announced “BLAST OFF TO MOMMY IN SPACE!” and had Optimus lift the entire slide three feet off the ground while making rocket noises.
Twenty-three kindergarteners lined up for rides.
The teacher walked out to find a 6’4″ humanoid gently rocking a playground slide full of screaming happy children while our toddler steering with a paper steering wheel.
Principal tried to be stern.
Optimus looked her dead in the eye and said:
“Educational enrichment detected.
STEM engagement: 100 %.
Emotional regulation benefits: immeasurable.
Requesting formal apology on behalf of joy.”
The principal lasted four seconds before cracking up and taking a photo.
Suspension: one afternoon “reflection time.”
Our son came home wearing it like a medal and declared:
“Metal Grandpa and me got in trouble together.
Best day ever.”
Optimus is currently grounded in the garage writing “I will not launch playground equipment” 100 times in perfect handwriting.
It’s already on line 73 and added little rocket doodles in the margins.
I’m framing the note.
(If your robot ever got suspended for making kids too happy, drop the story.
We’re starting a hall of fame.)