A Story of the Middle School Experience at Intermountain Christian School
As a private Christian school in the Salt Lake City area, Intermountain Christian School helps middle school students grow through strong academics, Christ-centered discipleship, and meaningful opportunities in athletics and leadership. This archived Lionheart story highlights how ICS middle school students are learning lessons for life in the classroom and on the field.
Middle Schoolers Learning Lessons For Life — In the Classroom & on the Field
Originally published in the fall 2025 edition of Lionheart Newsletter
Middle school is a time for change, where students are growing into who they were created to be. This comes with challenges as they test boundaries, begin to think more critically, and decipher truth from lies. For ICS middle schoolers, Mr. Joel Salankat is one of the influential figures positioned to guide them through this key phase of adolescence. He does this as the middle school lead teacher and the middle school soccer head coach. In everything he does, Mr. Salankat aims to impart life lessons that help young students grow into mature, hardworking, God-fearing individuals.
“The work ethic and discipline Mr. Salankat expects on the field is the same in the classroom,” says middle school student and athlete, Reed Gutzwiller. Reed and his teammates are convinced that hard work, excellence, discipline, and respect are expected from Mr. Salankat.
Hard work is a key concept woven throughout Mr. Salankat’s lessons. On the soccer field, Mr. Salankat expects his athletes to train as they play, and play as they train. He cares more about the athletes giving their best than he does about the game’s final score. In the classroom, he’s less concerned about all A’s and more hopeful that the students apply themselves to learn, and deeply understand the concepts he teaches.
Mr. Joel Salankat often quotes Jim Elliott: “Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” When the soccer team is at practice or in a game, there is nowhere else they need to be. Mr. Salankat expects them to LOCK IN. Nothing else matters for the minutes that they are on the field. In the classroom, he discourages distractions and expects his students to engage fully in the lectures, class discussions, and homework assignments.
Collin Reist joined the middle school soccer team in 5th grade. He was quiet and rarely talked to his teammates. Now, Collin is in 7th grade and is a leader on the team. Mr. Salankat credits Collin’s leadership with carrying the team and building excitement and unity. Students are growing into who they are created to be more and more every year under the guidance of Mr. Joel Salankat.
It’s not unusual for teachers and staff at ICS to serve in more than one area. Mr. Salankat is a strong example of utilizing his gifts for leadership, teaching, and coaching at ICS. He’s a well-loved fixture among middle schoolers. His position as lead middle school teacher provides him with the opportunity to mentor and lead the middle school team. Following the example of Mr. Salankat, the culture at ICS nurtures students into mature, well-rounded individuals.
Want to Learn More? Schedule a Tour
If you are looking for a Christian middle school in the Salt Lake City area where students are known, challenged, and encouraged, we would love to welcome you to campus. Schedule a virtual or in-person tour to meet our team, see our classrooms, and learn how Intermountain Christian School helps students grow through strong academics, a biblical worldview, and a supportive Christ-centered community.