Ms. Donna Aponte

Donna Aponte is honored to serve as the Principal of Hohenfels Elementary School and brings 30 years of educational experience to the position. She is deeply committed to supporting students, staff, and the military community, and strongly believes in the excellence of a DoWEA education.

Ms. Aponte began her career teaching third grade at the American School in Puebla, Mexico, before returning to the United States to work in Colorado public schools in Vail and Denver. There, she served as a bilingual classroom teacher in grades three, four, and multiage elementary classes. 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, Ms. Aponte joined the DoWEA team and relocated to Okinawa, Japan. At Bechtel Elementary School, she spent nine years teaching Spanish Immersion in grades three and six, as well as FLES. 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, Ms. 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 all grade levels to implement new mathematics standards and best instructional practices. She also led the development of comprehensive STEM programs, including elementary robotics competitions, and served on the AFNorth School Improvement Committee. She eventually became Assistant Principal at AFNorth Elementary School and Kleine Brogel Elementary School.

Ms. 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. 

Outside of her professional role, Ms. Aponte is a devoted wife and mother of three sons. She is proud to serve the military community and is committed to fostering safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments where students and educators can thrive.