Principal, Mr. Neil Kraus

Greetings to the students, families, and friends of the Horizon community! My name is Neil Kraus. I am honored to be back for year three as the Principal at Horizon for the 2024-2025 school year and to continue the school's vision to have a warm and caring environment while challenging and celebrating each student for their talents. 

I have been in Loudoun County Public Schools for the past thirteen years. I formerly was Dean and Assistant Principal at Countryside, and I previously taught at Belmont Ridge Middle School as well as Trailside Middle School. I am an advocate for a student-centered education with an emphasis on the use of technology, team collaboration, and project-based learning. 

I completed my undergraduate work at East Stroudsburg University in Health and Physical Education, and then completed my Master's degree at George Mason University. In my free time I enjoy exploring the gorgeous DC Metropolitan Area with my wife Melissa and our three children (Kayden, Preston, and Oakleigh). You can find us outdoors enjoying sports, nature, history, and trying the amazing food! 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I am looking forward to a magnificent year!

Mr. Neil Kraus
Neil.Kraus@lcps.org

Assistant Principal, Meredith Wetmore

Welcome Horizon students, staff, families, and friends!

I am delighted to be serving as the Assistant Principal at Horizon Elementary School for the 2024-2025 school year.  This will be my third year at Horizon and my fifth year as Assistant Principal in LCPS.  Prior to Horizon, I was the Assistant Principal of Belmont Station Elementary School in Ashburn, Virginia.  I am starting my 14th year in Loudoun County Public Schools.  Over that period, I spent my time at Belmont Station serving as a Special Education Teacher in multiple grade levels, Special Education Designee, Dean, and Assistant Principal. 

I am a product of Loudoun County Public Schools, graduating from Loudoun Valley High School in 2005.  I crossed over the mountains and attended West Virginia University.  From WVU, I earned my Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Elementary Education, specializing in Special Education and Early Childhood with additional endorsements in Math and Autism.  Most recently I received a second Master’s Degree in Administration from Shenandoah University in 2019. 

My years of experience in elementary education have helped me acquire the tools needed to support all students, parents, and staff here at Horizon Elementary School.  I believe that great administrators hire educators who strive each day to make the best decisions for children.  When our students are at the center of all decisions, we can work together with mutual trust and cooperation between the parents, the community, and school.

I look forward to working with the Horizon staff and community to offer a rigorous curriculum that incorporates technology and a variety of higher-level learning experiences to ensure our students are getting the most out of their time with us.  We want all our students to work to their maximum potential and I truly believe that we can reach all learners through a differentiated approach to instruction, offering both interventions and enrichment.  I know we will be amazed when we empower our students to achieve even more than they think is possible!

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, hiking, enjoying all that Loudoun County has to offer and eating out (particularly Mexican food).  I also enjoy heading to the Deep Creek area during all four seasons.  As college football and basketball seasons arrive, you will find me wearing my "blue and gold" and cheering on my beloved Mountaineers. Let's go…..Mountaineers!!

I believe communication is an imperative part of being a successful school leader, so please feel free to contact me.  I am looking forward to making this school year a memorable one!  #WeSoarTogether!

Dean, Ms. Atari Griffin

I have been a special education educator since 2002. I am passionate about protecting students from being disproportionately referred to special education and ensuring those that are receive services tailored to their needs! I believe that every student has strengths and unique talents and gifts that allow them to carve a path that might not otherwise be created for them! My favorite quote is by Ignacio Estrada, “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn!” My primary goal is to not only meet students where they are, but to guide them to where they are supposed to be to make their mark on this world!