I'm so glad to get the links and advice, and the commiseration. Thank you!

Evemomma--"lost year" is exactly how I refer to DD's 1st grade year. Her kindy teacher was amazing, but last year sucked. Unfortunately, while this year is proving to be emotionally better, it's still boring as heck for her, and I have to listen to her every night talk about how many days there are left til Friday. It stinks to have a 7-year old already having at TGIF mentality. She asks me regularly to home-school her, but I don't know we could financially make it work.

Stacey. Former high school teacher, back in the corporate world, mom to 2 bright girls: DD12 & DD7.