Officials state that the local chapter is focused on safeguarding and enhancing gifted education programs in light of proposed budget cuts.
NEWS RELEASE
ASSOCIATION FOR BRIGHT CHILDREN OF ONTARIO
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The Association for Bright Children of Ontario (ABC Ontario) has revealed the launch of its new Simcoe County Chapter, which aims to protect and improve gifted education programs in the region. This chapter has been established as a direct response to potential cuts that threaten the existence of specialized gifted classrooms – programs that have historically offered significant academic and social support for advanced learners throughout Ontario. ABC Ontario, a volunteer-based organization dedicated to supporting families with gifted learners, believes every child should have access to an education that challenges them appropriately. Congregated gifted programs have a long-standing reputation for helping students achieve their potential in settings that encourage intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and emotional health. “Gifted students are exceptional learners who require differentiated education-just as students with other special education needs do,” said Jim Rea, president of ABC Ontario. “Cuts to these programs don’t just reduce learning options; they remove lifelines for students who finally feel understood and engaged in their classrooms.” “Research demonstrates that gifted students without access to congregated classes are at greater risk for anxiety, reduced academic performance, school refusal and depression. At greatest risk are those with additional exceptionalities, like ADHD, autism or learning disabilities. Many gifted learners share that, before joining a congregated class, they had never felt that they belonged or wanted to go to school. But in a gifted classroom, for the first time they saw their own curiosity and intensity reflected in others, reducing the stress and isolation that is often experienced by gifted youth,” said Rea. The newly formed Simcoe County chapter will collaborate closely with local families, educators, and decision-makers to: Advocate for the continuation and expansion of gifted education options; Raise awareness of the unique learning needs of gifted students; Provide resources, community connections, and workshops for parents navigating special education systems. Executive roles for the Simcoe County chapter will be filled as follows: Scott Renshaw, president Lori Gray , chapter executive Ashley O’Sullivan , chapter executive Parents and community members are encouraged to get involved and lend their voices to this important advocacy effort. For more information or to join the local chapter , please contact ABC Ontario Simcoe County Chapter at [email protected]. *************************
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ASSOCIATION FOR BRIGHT CHILDREN OF ONTARIO
*************************
The Association for Bright Children of Ontario (ABC Ontario) has revealed the launch of its new Simcoe County Chapter, which aims to protect and improve gifted education programs in the region. This chapter has been established as a direct response to potential cuts that threaten the existence of specialized gifted classrooms – programs that have historically offered significant academic and social support for advanced learners throughout Ontario. ABC Ontario, a volunteer-based organization dedicated to supporting families with gifted learners, believes every child should have access to an education that challenges them appropriately. Congregated gifted programs have a long-standing reputation for helping students achieve their potential in settings that encourage intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and emotional health. “Gifted students are exceptional learners who require differentiated education-just as students with other special education needs do,” said Jim Rea, president of ABC Ontario. “Cuts to these programs don’t just reduce learning options; they remove lifelines for students who finally feel understood and engaged in their classrooms.” “Research demonstrates that gifted students without access to congregated classes are at greater risk for anxiety, reduced academic performance, school refusal and depression. At greatest risk are those with additional exceptionalities, like ADHD, autism or learning disabilities. Many gifted learners share that, before joining a congregated class, they had never felt that they belonged or wanted to go to school. But in a gifted classroom, for the first time they saw their own curiosity and intensity reflected in others, reducing the stress and isolation that is often experienced by gifted youth,” said Rea. The newly formed Simcoe County chapter will collaborate closely with local families, educators, and decision-makers to: Advocate for the continuation and expansion of gifted education options; Raise awareness of the unique learning needs of gifted students; Provide resources, community connections, and workshops for parents navigating special education systems. Executive roles for the Simcoe County chapter will be filled as follows: Scott Renshaw, president Lori Gray , chapter executive Ashley O’Sullivan , chapter executive Parents and community members are encouraged to get involved and lend their voices to this important advocacy effort. For more information or to join the local chapter , please contact ABC Ontario Simcoe County Chapter at [email protected]. *************************
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