I am a parent of a child who is of a similar age to the victims in this case, and we reside in the Batesville community. We trust our educational institutions to be safe environments for our children, places that nurture and protect rather than harm. Donna Hale Januchowski’s actions at the Batesville Pre-School have deeply disturbed not just me but our entire community.

The charges currently levied against her are insufficient given the gravity of her actions. It is critical that she faces charges for Endangering the Welfare of a Minor (Class D Felony) and First-Degree Battery (Class A Felony). These charges properly represent the severity of her actions and ensure that justice is served for the child involved.

Statistics show that early childhood abuse can lead to severe long-term behavioral issues and development challenges. This is why it is absolutely necessary that the justice system demonstrates zero tolerance towards such actions. By holding Donna Hale Januchowski accountable with appropriate felony charges, we are sending a strong message that the safety and welfare of our children are paramount.

We need the legal system to act decisively and show that the Batesville community will not stand by and allow such violations to go unpunished. We need to trust our institutions and believe in their role as protectors of our community’s most vulnerable.

I urge everyone who values the safety and wellbeing of children to join me in demanding that the court system re-evaluates the charges against Donna Hale Januchowski. Please sign this petition to call for the issuance of charges that reflect the true severity of her actions and protect the community's trust in our educational settings. Together, we can make a difference and ensure justice is rightly served. Sign this petition to support this cause for our children’s safety.