HUDSON, Wis. — Hudson School District administrators met with River Crest Elementary 5th grade parents Sunday to update them on an investigation that has shaken many at the school to the core.
District Superintendent Nick Ouellette addressed the parents just days after the arrest of River Crest classroom teacher Madison Bergmann, who is charged with one count of first-degree child sexual assault after alleged indecent conduct with one of her 5th-grade students. The boy's parents discovered text messages between the 24-year-old teacher and their son, allegedly discussing the pair "making out" and how much she enjoyed the juvenile touching her.
"No Superintendent ever imagines standing before a group of parents with this news. As a leader of this school community, as a parent, this is gut-wrenching," Ouellette told parents in a statement also released to other district families. "I want you to know the School District is taking this very seriously. We care about each of you and your children. We want to be as transparent as possible, but please understand that there are things we simply cannot say given that the investigation is still ongoing."
The following is a timeline shared with 5th-grade families on how the Hudson School District responded once informed of the allegations on May 1.
- At about 12:00 p.m., the School District learned from a parent there were concerns about the behavior of this teacher.
- At 12:37, the School District removed the teacher from the classroom.
- At approximately 12:45 p.m., the School District contacted law enforcement.
- At approximately 2:30 p.m., law enforcement took the teacher into custody.
- On May 3, Bergmann was placed on unpaid administrative leave.
School officials have secured the services of two "veteran substitute teachers" who will manage Bergmann's classroom and care for students for the remainder of the school year. Impacted parents were also told that resources are being made available for both children and adults in terms of processing and holding difficult discussions about the allegations against the defendant.
Here are some of the guidelines and suggestions shared with parents.
- Reaffirm safety: Reassure your child that adults are working to keep them safe both at school and home
- Open communication: Allow your child to direct and lead the conversation. Listen to what they have to say about their concerns, questions, or worries. Remind them that children who come forward with information they have experienced or witnessed will not be in trouble.
- Keep explanations developmentally appropriate. Early Elementary - Provide brief and simple information with reassurance. Upper Elementary - Answer questions and assist with keeping things factual. Middle and High School - Validate opinions and provide facts.
- Acknowledge and normalize feelings: Allow your child to discuss feelings and concerns. Listen and empathize.
- Limit exposure to media coverage, social media, and other electronic communication. It is good self-care to take a break from media in all forms.
- Seek professional help: If your child is experiencing distress or struggling to cope with events, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. Our school counselors are available to provide counseling and support services to students and families in need.
- Self-Care: As a parent, make sure to take care of yourself and encourage your child to engage in self-care activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with supportive friends and family members.
The district is also conducting its own investigation - separate from the criminal investigation being conducted by police - in order to determine whether actions should be taken involving employee discipline and whether district policies or practices should be evaluated or changed.
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