@DeeDee thanks for the input from "the other side." I know that, if everyone stays in the program, these kids will be together for at least 6 years, if not longer. With my older children, I've seen how little things from first grade can fester and come back in later years. I like the idea of trying to nip this in the bud and foster understanding. I'm thinking through my email to the teacher now.
@La Texican I have no idea what, if anything, they are doing for this kid. Wouldn't it be lovely if this could be fixed with a stress ball? I don't feel comfortable making these kinds of suggestions without knowing the parents or the kid. My gut says that this may be more complicated.