If the program director knows him from last year, she ought to understand what he needs already.
And I wouldn't be averse to sending along a recommendation such as the comment you mentioned there -- a gifted program's people probably understand the sour grapes behind that "can't sharpen his pencil" and "don't believe in acceleration" -- and she does say he's top of the class.
Have you suggested to his teacher that she let him do his work with a pen, instead? (Thinking of people who do crossword puzzles in pen....)
