Well, I always tell my kids that "hugs shouldn't hurt." That seems to help them distinguish between real, friendly hugs and the aggressive kind. Kids can use hugs as a way to wrestle, so even if that wasn't your DS's intention, I can kind of see what the teachers were saying.

Oh, and I got a kick out of your DS's running in circles during circle time. Seems appropriate, no? wink

I think even play-based pre-K's tend to do more of the "This is the letter A" stuff at circle time than our kids need. But it tends to be small doses--5 minutes or so--so most kids can deal with it. It's a WHOLE lot better than a whole CLASS of "This is the letter A," at least! Hopefully you'll get the former (or less) and not the latter!

Kriston