School Leadership

Mrs. Krueger was the Associate Principal at Highlands and Odyssey for two years before taking over as the head principal in 2020. Because of this, Kari knows the culture of Highlands and Odyssey very well, and there's no place she'd rather be! Prior to beginning her administrative career in Appleton, Kari was a special educator in Wichita, Kansas; Blacksville, West Virginia; Kimberly, Wisconsin; and Menasha, Wisconsin.

Kari's experiences teaching in a variety of communities across the country has helped her get to know a multitude of learners from many different backgrounds. Kari easily connects with the diverse students, staff, families, and community members at Highlands and Odyssey. Kari values proactive behavior management and inclusivity as she feels this creates positive classroom cultures for students and teachers.

Kari believes a child's early education experiences set the stage for their future. It is her goal as the school leader to ensure all who enter her school are valued, respected, and provided excellent service. When Kari is not at school, she can be found spending time with her husband and young children. Kari also loves soaking up the sun, cheering on the Packers, and scrapbooking.

Kari looks forward to partnering with you to provide your students an engaging, high-quality elementary school experience.

Katlyn Madson serves as the Dean of Students at Highlands Elementary, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to student success. A proud alumna of the Appleton Area School District, Katlyn holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in Elementary Education and Special Education, with a focus on Social-Emotional Learning.

Katlyn started her career at Highlands Elementary, as an intermediate classroom teacher. Before her return, she served as both an Instructional Coach and Dean of Students at Edison Elementary, and later in her career, she was an Instructional Coach at Edison and Huntley Elementary. These experiences have shaped her approach to fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment.

Katlyn is committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment at Highlands Elementary, ensuring that every student has the support and resources needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Collaborating closely with staff, students and families, she strives to uphold the school's commitment to excellence in education.