Assault Of Student At Fairfax County School Results In Criminal Charge For Former Teacher

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — A former kindergarten teacher at a Fairfax County Public School was charged Tuesday on two counts of simple assault on a student, according to authorities.

On March 28, Child Protective Services received a report of a teacher assaulting a student and teacher at Parklawn Elementary School, which is located off of Braddock Road near Lake Barcroft.

Investigators determined that 63-year-old Mary Simons assaulted the two victims on two separate occasions, according to police.

Simons turned herself into police on Tuesday and was served two summons releasable warrants for simple assault, according to the incident report. On learning of the allegations, FCPS placed Simons on administrative leave.

While the investigation was underway, Simons retired from her teaching position, according to police. An FCPS teacher since 2009, Simons was listed as a kindergarten teacher on Parklawn Elementary’s website.

Simons is scheduled to be arraigned in Fairfax County Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court on May 14, according to court records. A preliminary hearing is set for June 12.

The former teacher faces a criminal charge of assault and battery, which is designated as a class 1 misdemeanor. If convicted, she faces a potential sentence of 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact 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) and by web – Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App and follow the steps to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.