Principal

John Ohlson
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Mr. Ohlson is excited to serve as the principal of Horizons Elementary. He spent his childhood in Washington state growing up in the Pacific Northwest on Whidbey Island. His family enjoyed hiking, camping, and traveling; activities that he still enjoys today. John moved to Wisconsin in 2000 to finish his teaching degree and fell in love with the state. He is now proud to call Wisconsin his home. 

John's career started at the Seymour Community School District where he taught 1st/2nd grade for 11 years before working as the District’s Teaching and Learning Coordinator. He then worked as the principal for Weyauwega-Fremont Elementary Schools before joining the Appleton Area School District. 

Mr. Ohlson believe in the value and potential of each student. We all come from different backgrounds and experience and that is what makes our school so special. It also means that each of our learning paths may look different, but with support and guidance we can all achieve great outcomes. He looks forward to meeting the many families of Horizons so make sure to stop in and say, “Hi!” 

Dean of Students

Joshua Puls
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Mr. Puls is excited to serve Horizons Elementary School and their school community as the Dean of Students. He grew up in Wisconsin and has lived in the Fox Valley for most of his adult life.  He is married to his wonderful wife who is a School Social Worker and together have two awesome kids. Most of their free time is spent enjoying and encouraging their kids in their sports, but they also love to camp and travel.  

Josh has spent the past 7 years as a School Counselor at Appleton West High School and is the Girl's Varsity Soccer Head Coach.  Before West, he worked for the state of Wisconsin as the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Education Coordinator and Reach Counseling Services as a Prevention Educator. Mr. Puls received his bachelor's degree in Human Services and his master's of Science of Education in Professional Counseling with an emphasis in School Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  

He is passionate about helping students and families have all the tools they need to succeed. Everyone's story is different and that is what makes our community exciting. He looks forward to getting to know all of our families at Horizons. Please feel free to stop in and say hi!