a little peeved this morn. child being picked on by the school.

I think you should go talk to the school and find out more, what exactly is going on that made them call you. Follow Frankie's excellent advice about how to talk to them.

Also re-visit your decision to let your son wear his hair "any way he wants." Not trying to tell you how to parent but sometimes a teenager doesn't know what's best for him, and we have to exercise parental control. In my opinion a little reminder of who's boss in your household will help keep him from acting out in the future. Just my $.02. Good luck.