So sorry, I can definitely relate. I did forsee DS5 acting out after he was placed in first grade this year because he had some acting out the year before in a pre-school setting where he was not academically challenged. But I still was hopeful he would do okay because for most of last year he was in a Montessori school and his behavior was good and not an issue. Have they done actual testing on your DS6? If so, and if the testing reflects that he is gifted, I would suggest providing them some information about how gifted children can act out when they are not academically challenged. If you haven't done testing I would suggest you do. Your district can do this. I did outside testing before school started because I knew it would take a while and I didn't think K would be a good fit. Having the scores and evaluation has been helpful. It doesn't fix everything but it puts it in writing just how different he is and what his needs are. For the record, drawing a pirate ship is clearly not acting out and not evidence of anger issues. He completed the task. I am a school social worker so I am obviously not opposed to counseling, maybe he would benefit from seeing a school counselor (not to address his supposed anger issues) to address dealing with these changes and being the way he is. I think a lot of gifted children would benefit from it. My DS5 is in a group at school with some new kids, and I am thinking of recommending that he has individual as well. He is just starting to realize more and more how different he is and I think that is really confusing for these kids. Good luck, and there is hope. I feel your pain because I felt quite hopeless last week. But today is looking up.
