Suggestions for initiating this discussion with the teacher? Thoughts on the subject in general?

This discussion - To what purpose would you have such a discussion? The teacher does not set policy and cannot change policy. The administrators will not change policies just because you don't like them. So without knowing your specific purpose, I'd say you'll probably be wasting your time and just creating a target on your child.

However, if you are just trying to learn about the policies for your own frame of reference? Sure, but I'd just get the school manual and read it. Bringing a spotlight on your child just means the focus is now on your child.

While she does not set policy, she's the one that will or will not enforce it. She can say "stop doing that with your poptart rather than sending him to the office.

But again, I'm mostly concerned about the day-to-day constant squashing of activities.
So, it’s one part gathering info on the policy, one part gathering info on her enforcement of policy, one part letting her know I’m concerned about the application of such policies. Now, the latter will indicate that 1) I do not disapprove of such behavior, 2) my child acts this way, and 3) that I will inevitably be a headache if she punishes my child for such things.
There will be other dads there, and I’m sure they will also share these concerns.

So that’s the purpose – the question is, what do you guys think will be the result?

Yeah, I suppose you guys are right.

Though, I'd much prefer to simply develop a list of what and how to teach my child and get her buy-in at the meeting.

/sigh

God damn it....

So, you're wanting your child to be granted exception to the policies (which you haven't researched yet), because your child is a special little snowflake and "acts this way." As the child of an elementary school teacher, let me just say: shocking.

If you want to do something useful and productive, teach your child the difference between acceptable behavior in school and acceptable behavior at home.

This is a normal, public school with a bunch of other kids in the same classroom, correct?

I wouldn't say anything. My son would hang out with older kids, one of whom liked to make "swords" made out of paper or cardboard. The after-school playground lady once pointed out that those were technically illegal and could get them kicked out of school. <b>She</b> rolled her eyes at this, but was also constrained by district policy and all that. But it never became an issue.

I had an actual wooden sword as a kid ( not at school). I would be honest and let the teacher know what your expectations (remember she works for you) and concerns are up front.

Yeah, I knew this sort of asinine response was inevitable. Had you actually read my post, you would have seen that A) I'm trying to find out the school policies and how she enforces them. So no, I haven't researched it, but I don't typically make sure I have all my questions answered before I attend Q&A sessions. (By the way, the school manuals are being provided at this session) B) I said nothing in particular about my child, other than to say he's a normal kid. You'll notice I mentioned shared concerns amongst other dads.

Now, let me ask you this - as a parent concerned with a bad policy, should I shut my mouth, tell my child to act abnormally for a child, and hope for the best, or should I find out how the policy is handled, and if I disagree with it, work to have it changed?

I'm soliciting advice on how to handle a situation of which I have no experience. While I appreciate criticism as much as the next guy, you can take your righteous indignation and shove it.

Yeah, I knew this sort of asinine response was inevitable. Had you actually read my post, you would have seen that A) I'm trying to find out the school policies and how she enforces them. So no, I haven't researched it, but I don't typically make sure I have all my questions answered before I attend Q&A sessions. (By the way, the school manuals are being provided at this session) B) I said nothing in particular about my child, other than to say he's a normal kid. You'll notice I mentioned shared concerns amongst other dads.

Now, let me ask you this - as a parent concerned with a bad policy, should I shut my mouth, tell my child to act abnormally for a child, and hope for the best, or should I find out how the policy is handled, and if I disagree with it, work to have it changed?

I'm soliciting advice on how to handle a situation of which I have no experience. While I appreciate criticism as much as the next guy, you can take your righteous indignation and shove it.

I think Arathain's concern is that if his kid picks up a ruler and pretends its a sword in the second week of Kindergarten, that the teacher/administration not freak out with suspensions and meetings with counselors, and calling the cops and so forth. Frankly, I think those results are unlikely; every school out there is not on a hair trigger of overreaction. Nevertheless, it can and does happen so his concerns are not unfounded.

And my point, mainly, was that if the school is oversensitive there is almost literally nothing he can do about it.

I guess he could run for school board and if elected try to change the policy.

Understood on both points. However:

1. He hasn't even done the research to see if it is a concern, but seems to be reacting from whatever fear has been put into him from this board or Fox news.

2. He actually does have things he can do about it, such as move to a different school district, find a private school or home school.

3. It's literally like a couple weeks before the start of school. If this was something that was a real concern, it's absolutely piss poor planning that he's only now looking into it. Either researching the rules, or starting to coach his kid into how to behave in public.