Administration

Philosophy on Teaching

We believe that a broad and rigorous curriculum incorporating basic skills with higher order thinking prepares students to be productive citizens in the 21st century.  Our amazing teaching staff incorporates real world experiences for students to connect their learning to life outside of school. Grade level teams regularly discuss student progress on formal and informal assessments to ensure that every student is challenged every day.  Learning does not stop when the dismissal bell rings, rather it is extended through meaningful after-school enrichment and extension activities and homework that allows for practice and reinforcement of skills that students have learned.  Woven throughout the academic program is a school community based on caring and mutual responsibility, promoting the development of self-discipline, kindness and intellectual curiosity.

Carmen De La Cruz Scales, Principal

carmen.delacruz@apsva.us | 703-228-6645

Carmen De La Cruz Scales has been appointed as Principal at Carlin Springs Elementary School effective July 1, 2023. Ms. De La Cruz Scales, a native of the Dominican Republic, is an Arlington Public Schools veteran educator with 29 years of experience. During her tenure with the school system, she has served in multiple roles including Spanish immersion and English Learner teacher, math coach, elementary mathematics specialist, and assistant principal at both the elementary and secondary levels. Ms. De La Cruz Scales previously served an assistant principal at Washington-Liberty High School.  Amongst her many responsibilities, she lead the World Languages and English Learners departments and worked closely with the bilingual family specialists to attend to the needs of the community. Ms. De La Cruz Scales is known as an energetic, caring teacher and administrator who models and implements best instructional practices.  She is highly regarded by colleagues and brings a reputation as one who is strong instructionally and possesses excellent leadership skills.  Ms. De La Cruz Scales works collaboratively with administrators and staff in utilizing data to improve instruction.  Her ability to plan with teachers, model instructional strategies, co-teach lessons and work with parents are examples of the skills she brings that will benefit the Carlin Springs community in her role as principal.  Ms. De La Cruz Scales is a bilingual, bicultural educator who understands and values the assets families bring to the school community and is ready to engage with them to maximize their children’s learning experiences. Ms. De La Cruz Scales is a wife and mother of two sons who earned a Bachelor of Arts Education and Spanish from Queens College, a master’s in Linguistics from George Washington University and a master’s in education leadership from George Mason University. Her experiences and well-rounded education have prepared her for this next professional chapter.

Enis Al Majeed, Assistant Principal

enis.almajeed@apsva.us | 703-228-8416

Enis Al Majeed was appointed as Assistant Principal at Carlin Springs Elementary School effective July 1, 2023. Ms. Al Majeed was born in Iraq and immigrated to the US when she was 14 years old. She received her undergraduate degree in sociology from Lehmon College, Master of Art in ESOL from Columbia University and a second Master of Art in Administration and Supervision from American College of Education. Ms. Al Majeed began her teaching career in Bronx, NY as a middle and high school ESL teacher. She then moved to Virginia and taught in Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS). After PWCS, she taught with Arlington Public Schools (APS) at Campbell Elementary School. During her time at APS, Ms. Al Majeed held various teaching positions including EL team lead and school testing coordinator. In 2017, Ms. Al Majeed accepted an interim assistant principal position at Oakridge Elementary School. In 2019, Ms. Al Majeed accepted an assistant principal position with Alexandria City Public Schools. Ms. Al Majeed resides in Arlington with her husband and 2 daughters. She enjoys long walks and snuggling with her daughters while watching movies together.