Sorry to leave you unanswered for so long. I'm glad to hear that you have the DYS application all ready to roll. You can actually send it in now, and send the final psych report when it arrives.
I'd be suspicious about the idea that his social and emotional maturity is lagging behind. How does he do with older kids in afterschool play activities? It may be that he looks 'overly emotional' because he is being asked to handle much more than kids are able to handle. If a normal 9th grader were placed with 6th graders, how long before that normal 9th grader started to show signs of immaturity? Or if the immaturity is real, take steps to correct it, and then go after that skip. I would talk to whoever the decision maker is about the all day gifted 7th grade, and see if you can explain why it's so important, and maybe get you son involved with a 'pilot' program to do some of the features of a 7th grade all day program if they aren't ready to roll out the whole thing. Pilot programs are appealing.
There is also subject acceleration to consider - perhaps he could spend part of his day with 7th graders, and part of his day in the all day 8th grade program. Can you talk to the teachers of 7th graders and see if they have any recommendations of kids who are going to be in the all day 8th grade program next year who might make good playmates to pursue this summer?
Love and More Love,
Grinity
