FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BARRIE, ON, March 10, 2026: The Association for Bright Children of Ontario (ABC Ontario) today announced the formation of its new Simcoe County Chapter, dedicated to protecting and strengthening gifted education programs in Simcoe County. The chapter’s establishment comes in direct response to proposed cuts that threaten the continuation of congregated gifted classrooms—programs that have long provided meaningful academic and social support for advanced learners across Ontario.
ABC Ontario, a volunteer-run provincial organization supporting families of gifted learners, believes that every child deserves access to an appropriately challenging education. Congregated gifted programs have a decades-long history of enabling students to reach their potential in an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and emotional well-being.
“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 established Simcoe County Chapter will work 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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About ABC Ontario
The Association for Bright Children of Ontario (Société pour enfants doués et surdoués de l'Ontario) is an all-volunteer, provincially incorporated registered charity, with many chapters across Ontario. It is dedicated to providing information, advocacy and support to parents of bright and gifted children and adolescents through networking, an annual conference and local workshops. It offers the parents' voice to local school boards, educators, professional groups and the Ontario Ministry of Education. For more information visit https://abcontario.ca/.
Media Contact
Jen Ellis
Secretary, Communications & Chapter Support
ABC Ontario
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.