The District 300 community is mourning the loss of one of its educators.
Danielle Kamp, of Bartlett, an eighth-grade science teacher and volleyball coach at Cambridge Lakes Charter School in Pingree Grove, died unexpectedly Wednesday, principal Nicole Brady said in a letter to parents posted on the school's website.
“Danielle was a beloved teacher who was deeply respected by students and staff alike during her five-year tenure at Cambridge Lakes Charter School,” Brady said.
According to the letter, Kamp, 43, suffered a serious medical emergency prior to the start of school and staff responded quickly to help her while others worked to keep students within classrooms. Kamp was taken to an area hospital, where she died.
The school waited to announce the news to students until Thursday, Brady said, confirming only that a medical emergency occurred.
“The passing of a staff member can be an incredibly emotional event for a student,” she said. “Staff are also clearly distraught and we have numerous counselors and administrative staff on hand to assist. This is no longer a normal day by any means. Our students and staff have been impacted adversely.”
Parent Sharon Bending said Kamp was invested in her students and it showed.
“Last week Cambridge Lakes Charter School put on a musical written by two eighth-graders,” Bending said. “After the final performance, Mrs. Kamp was hugging the two girls and they were all crying.
“I spoke to her after, and she was beaming with pride for these girls. She said, ‘I’ve watched them grow, I’m just so proud of them.’ She had a way of connecting with students that is rare. I always respected her for putting herself on the line to speak out on behalf of teachers and administrators when the Charter School was having difficulties a few years ago. She was positive, fun, and as a parent, I feel grateful that my son was a student of hers.”
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In 2018, Kamp was nominated for Middle Teacher of the Year award through the Kane County Regional Office of Education. She was cited for coming up with science experiments that let them have a hands-on experience.
“The more you can do to pull students into a moment, the better their learning will be,” Kamp said at the time. “That helps pass the learning stick to students, and it will be something they always carry with them.”
The District 300 crisis team will remain on campus throughout the week as needed, Brady said. LCC Comfort Dogs were invited to visit Thursday to help students and staff “mourn the loss of a beloved pack member, Ms. Kamp,” Brady said.
“Students, staff, and parents are welcome to spend time with the dogs in addition to the other support services provided by the (Cambridge Lakes) staff and the District 300 Crisis Team,” she said.
Kamp is survived by her husband, Daniel, and two children, Cassie and Joshua.
“Danielle was a teacher and volleyball coach who was dedicated to children and their learning, exampled by her nomination last year for Kane County Educator of the Year,” according to her obituary.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 13, at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory, 950 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett, with a funeral service to follow.