DeeDee - Yes, you're right. That is the normal cycle of things, and it makes the teachers' frustrations make a bit more sense. I've tried the thank-you's and try to give positive feedback even in my emailed replies - thank you for the extra time you're taking, etc.
master of none - you hit it spot on - the coming down hard has been since state testing is done. As to the zero, I could probably bring in the "big guns" and fight her on it, but it just seems so silly. He finished the new version of the book tonight and will have it to give to her tomorrow. As to the consequences of a zero for the semester - we actually are in a state where the school cannot fail a child without the parents' consent, although the governor is working vigorously to overturn this law. And your advice to deflect blame - I'm going to have to work on that one. I do end up somehow having failed as a mother every time I get one of these emails.
Geofizz - your description of 1000 paper cuts describe exactly how I'm feeling about it all. When I picked my son up early from track this afternoon so he could get started on the big project, the coach yelled after him, "Great job today! Love you energy and effort!". I wanted to hug her. She let him on the team after talking with me and understanding he would likely have some coordination issues, and she's been amazing with him. He's tried out some running events, discus and shot put thus far. I know she has latitude a teacher doesn't, but focusing on his contributions rather than his failures does so much for his confidence.
