WILMINGTON — Students, fellow teachers and administrators are beginning the week coping with the death of a teacher.

Denver Place Elementary School math and science teacher Amy Depp died suddenly Sunday evening.

Denver Place Principal Cortney Karshner-Rethmel on Monday morning sent out a message to parents: “It is with heavy heart that we inform you that Amy Depp our beloved 5th grade teacher tragically passed away Sunday evening.

“The teachers, counselors, principals and administration are prepared to provide grief counseling throughout the day. If you feel you need to keep your child home today, please contact the attendance number. Extra counselors and support personnel are available for all students and staff at Denver. We will call you personally if your child needs you directly.

“Please keep Mrs. Depp’s family in your thoughts and prayers. This is a tremendous loss for the Depp family, her students, WCS staff, and our community.

“As administrators, teachers, counselors and parents, we often struggle to find the right words to help children understand death, when we ourselves don’t have all the answers. If you are looking for ways to talk with your child about a death or tragedy, we encourage you to read our resource document Suggestions for Parents When Responding to a Death.”

This academic year was the 27th year Depp taught for Wilmington City Schools at different buildings and different grades, according to a central office staffer.