Schools

Autistic Boy Struck By Special Ed Aide, Charged: Mother

A Dogwood Elementary instructional assistant charged with assaulting autistic boy also performs for children as Flabbergast the Wizard.

An instructional assistant at Dogwood Elementary School in Reston was charged with assaulting a special needs student Friday. The accused aide also performs for children as Flabbergast the Wizard at festivals in the region.
An instructional assistant at Dogwood Elementary School in Reston was charged with assaulting a special needs student Friday. The accused aide also performs for children as Flabbergast the Wizard at festivals in the region. (Google Maps)

RESTON, VA —Mark MacDicken, a 60-year-old instructional assistant from Centreville, was charged with assaulting a student with autism at Dogwood Elementary School in Reston on Friday.

The mother of the student told Patch on Friday that MacDicken lifted her son, slapped him several times on his back and buttocks area, and then forcibly placed him back down on the floor. Her son then crawled under a desk and cried, before falling asleep.

Two other instructors in the classroom saw the incident on Friday and reported it to Dogwood Principal Kate Beckner, according to the child's mother. Beckner then contacted Fairfax County Police.

Find out what's happening in Restonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The boy was evaluated by medical personnel at the school and later at a hospital emergency room, his mother told Patch.

MacDicken's Facebook and LinkedIn accounts confirm that he is a resident of Centreville and has worked for Fairfax County Public Schools for 16 years and seven months, with the last four years as an instructional assistant in Reston.

Find out what's happening in Restonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

MacDicken also has a side business as a puppeteer and magician, performing as Flabbergast the Wizard, according to his social media accounts. He was scheduled to perform Saturday — the day after the incident — in York, Pennsylvania, and he was scheduled to perform at Cox Farms in Centerville in October.

After reading Patch's story, Cox Farms said the company has canceled MacDicken's performances, and he will no longer be contracted by the company.

On Monday, Major Crimes Bureau’s Child Abuse Squad detectives charged MacDicken with assault and he was released on his signature.

Patch called MacDicken several times by phone seeking comment, but was unable to reach him. An email was also sent to him for comment, but no response has been received. This story will be updated when Patch receives a response from MacDicken.

On Wednesday morning, Principal Beckner sent an email to the Dogwood Elementary community, confirming MacDicken's arrest and stating he had been placed on administrative leave until the case is resolved.

"I understand this will come as a shock to our community," Beckner said, in the email. "The primary responsibility for anyone who works in education is the safety and well-being of children. When that trust appears to be broken, it affects us all."

Police ask anyone with information about this case to call the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 4. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477). Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App and follow the steps to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of up to $1,000.

The following is the full text of the letter Principal Kate Beckner sent to Dogwood Elementary families:

Dear Dogwood Families,

I am deeply saddened this morning to share the news of a situation at Dogwood ES involving an instructional assistant.

Fairfax County Police will be sharing with the community today that an instructional assistant has been arrested and charged with assaulting a student in our school. Two staff members who allegedly witnessed the incident immediately contacted administration and we took swift action to contact the authorities. The staff member is currently on administrative leave while this case is resolved.

I understand this will come as a shock to our community. The primary responsibility for anyone who works in education is the safety and wellbeing of children. When that trust appears to be broken, it affects us all.

These situations can be upsetting and prompt a variety of emotions. When engaging in conversations with your child, listen calmly and reassuringly, and share a message that you are someone your child can talk to, even in challenging situations. If you have counseling questions or concerns, please reach out to our counselors, Angel Evins and Jen Franconeri at 703-262-3100. Please also contact Fairfax County Police Major Crimes Bureau if you have any information you would like to share at 703-246-7800, option 4.

I am here to answer your questions or concerns, and to support students in any way they need.

Sincerely,
Kate Beckner
Principal


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