Ms. Donna Aponte selected as principal at Hohenfels Elementary School

Department of War Education Activity Europe East District Superintendent Patrick Martin is pleased to announce the selection of Donna Aponte as principal of Hohenfels Elementary School.
Aponte brings 30 years of experience in education and is deeply committed to supporting students, staff and the military-connected community. She believes strongly in the excellence of a DoWEA education and is honored to serve in this role.

“Ms. Aponte is a proven instructional leader whose depth of experience and commitment to excellence make her an outstanding choice to lead Hohenfels Elementary School,” said Patrick Martin, DoWEA Europe East District superintendent. “Her dedication to supporting military-connected students and fostering high-quality learning environments will continue to strengthen the school community.”

Aponte began her career teaching third grade at the American School in Puebla, Mexico, before returning to the United States to serve in Colorado public schools in Vail and Denver. During that time, she worked as a bilingual classroom teacher in grades three and four, as well as in multiage elementary classrooms. Her instructional excellence was recognized when she was named Teacher of the Year by Eagle County Schools in 1997 and by the Denver Rotary Club in 1999.

In 2000, Aponte joined DoWEA and relocated to Okinawa, Japan. At Bechtel Elementary School, she taught Spanish immersion in grades three and six, as well as Foreign Language in the Elementary School, for nine years. She later served for six years as an educational technologist at Stearley Heights Elementary School, where she was an active member of the school improvement leadership team.

In 2015, Aponte transferred to the Netherlands, where she served as a math coach/interventionist and STEM specialist at AFNorth International School and Kleine Brogel Elementary School. In these roles, she collaborated with teachers across grade levels to implement mathematics standards and strengthen instructional practices. She also led the development of STEM programs, including elementary robotics competitions, and served on the AFNorth School Improvement Committee. She later became assistant principal at AFNorth Elementary School and Kleine Brogel Elementary School.

Aponte holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in school administration from Michigan State University.

A devoted wife and mother of three sons, Aponte is proud to serve military-connected students and families. She is committed to fostering safe, supportive and engaging learning environments where students and educators can thrive.