April 2024 Employee Spotlight - Mr. Salankat!

Teaching in America: Joel Salankat Finds Community through Teaching at ICS

Congratulations, Mr. Salankat, for being selected as the April Employee Spotlight!

Joel Salankat joined the faculty at ICS directly from Jakarta, Indonesia. While this school year is not his first year teaching, it is his first year teaching in the United States! Mr. Salankat was pleasantly surprised by the culture at ICS. The way the media portrays youth in the United States, he was not expecting his students to be so disciplined. He appreciates the attitudes of the students and that they come to class with a willingness to learn. Joel was impressed by the tight knit atmosphere among the faculty members and quickly assimilated as a valued part of the middle school team.

Joel teaches 6th and 7th grade social studies, and English for the entire middle school. He is well liked by his students. He is also the book club advisor for middle school. Mr. Salankat leads discussions, develops creative tasks, and organizes role-playing and other interactive activities to foster a love of reading and learning. At times, book club participants will compete in a spelling bee, a debate, or complete a writing assignment. The goal of book club is to expose the students to different cultures and to develop a habit of reading.

Mr. Salankat would want people to know certain things about his teaching style. He says that whatever he does should be done with excellence, be rooted in the scriptures, and be motivated by love. He wants to be known for teaching redemptively. He desires for his students to become avid readers. Reading grants the reader a chance to live a thousand lives and offers perspective and open mindedness.

When not in the classroom, Joel enjoys reading, running, hiking and also relaxing and watching TV shows. He also enjoys frequenting coffee shops. Joel attends Gospel Grace Church.

We are grateful to have him serving our students and community!

March 2024 Employee Spotlight - Mrs. Parker!

ICS March 2024 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations Mrs. Parker, ICS Librarian.

Pictured is Mrs. Parker at work. She helps each student, igniting a love for learning and reading.

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?

This is my 2nd year at ICS. I'm the librarian and have the privilege of working with Ms. Potter, teaching 3rd grade two afternoons a week. 

What brought you to ICS?

The Lord clearly directed my husband, Matt, to ICS when we first moved to Utah and it was a great experience for him. He loved the staff, students, and community here. I had worked in an elementary school before moving to Utah and had wanted to again, so when an opportunity opened up for my current position at the same time we were enrolling our son in 1st grade, I was excited to join this fantastic team. 

What is one encouraging thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?

Recently, I was so encouraged by the support of the staff, students, and their parents when we brought the Book Fair to ICS this past February.  It has been awhile since the school's been able to host a book fair, so we weren't sure how it would go. The staff was so encouraging about it, the students were excited for the books, and many families bought books knowing the school benefited from the sales. I loved seeing the enthusiasm families had for reading and ICS. 

What is your deep hope for your students and/or our school this year?

My deep hope for my students is that they would discover, discern, and enjoy excellent stories. I want them to love reading and learn what is good to fill their minds with based on Philippians 4:8 so they can grow in their love for God and others. 

February 2024 Employee Spotlight - Ms. Jones!

ICS February 2024 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations, Mrs. Jones, Registrar.

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?

Pictured is Kim Jones, our ICS Registrar, with her son, Brayden from the class of '21, and husband, Craig.

I have been at ICS for 9 years and was hired in 2015 as an accountant. My current title is Registrar however, my job encompasses so much more than the title suggests. I would say for the elementary families whom I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting, my role is Registrar/Scheduler/Academic Administrative Assistant/FACTS/RenWeb Administrator and Graduation Program Director. 

What brought you to ICS?

My husband's company transferred us to Salt Lake from Southern California and we were introduced to ICS through mutual friends who are alumni parents.

What is one encouraging thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?

The ICS memory that I will hold in my heart forever is being invited by the class of 2023 to give their commencement address last year. I know the question was not about memories but I mention it because sometimes when a momentous moment like that passes, you can question your relativity to the students moving forward. I am encouraged because I was recently asked to chaperone the Music Retreat and God has once again encouraged my heart to trust His will for my ministry here at ICS. 

What is your deep hope for your students and/or our school this year?

My Deep Hope for students is when their souls feel unsettled, when life's storms come, in the middle of chaos, failure, brokenness, striving for perfection, or the approval of others, in the middle of all the mess, that God would reveal His love for them so powerfully through me and others, that they would know their value is absolute, unchangeable, constant, complete, irrevocable. That they would believe in their worth so deeply that their spirit can be unleashed to change the world around them. 

January 2024 Employee Spotlight - Ms. Reed!

ICS January 2024 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations, Ms. Reed, middle school science and STEM teacher

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?

Ms. Reed

I've been at ICS for 1.5 years (since August 2022) and I mainly teach middle school science and STEM (plus a new computer programming class, a creative writing class, and a high school physics study group)!

What brought you to ICS?

I came to ICS to begin a teaching career after many years in academic research. It's been a joy getting to see middle schoolers learn and make science fun for them.

What is one encouraging thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?

Something that I find encouraging is hearing that my students are learning to like science more, when they may not have been as invested in the subject before. I appreciate they're willing to give my favorite subject a second chance!

What is your deep hope for your students and/or our school this year?

My deep hope is to build foundational knowledge, encourage creativity, and promote perseverance by engaging with God's world, resulting in increased awe and wonder of our Creator.

December 2023 Employee Spotlight - Mrs. Biel!

ICS December 2023 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations, Mrs. Biel, ICS P.E. and Health Teacher

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?

This is my second year at ICS as the P.E. and Teacher. I teach kindergarten all the way through high school!

Mrs. Biel and her husband, Coach Biel (ICS boys varsity basketball coach), on their wedding day.

What brought you to ICS?

I went to ICS for my senior year of high school and loved my experience. I always enjoyed coming back to support friends in sports or in the arts. When I saw that the P.E. teaching position opened, I thought it would be a neat opportunity to come back to ICS and invest in the community in a different way. I have enjoyed being a teacher at ICS!

What is one encouraging thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?

One reason I am thankful to be at a Christian school is the opportunity I have to encourage students in their relationships with Jesus. I have had some good conversations with students about things that are happening in their lives and I enjoy when I get the opportunity to bring it back to Jesus. It is also very encouraging when they do that for me and push me to grow in my relationship with the Lord.

What is your deep hope for your students and/or our school this year?

My deep hope for my students is that they would be champions for God and others by loving Him first and others second - and that they would bring glory to God through the gifts He has given them.

November 2023 Employee Spotlight - Mrs. Guy!

ICS November 2023 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations, Mrs. Guy, ICS Spanish teacher

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?

I’ve been at ICS since June of 2022, I moved here and started working at Camp ICS to get to know the school and the students. Once the school year started, I began teaching 1st grade. This year I switched roles and started teaching Spanish for kindergraten through 12th grade.

Left to right: Mrs. Guy, Mr. Guy, and their puppy, Piper, after Mrs. Guy completed the 2023 DC Peaks 55K.

What brought you to ICS?

My husband and I moved to Salt Lake City because he started his Orthopedic Residency at the University of Utah.

What is one encouraging thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?

I have had the pleasure of coaching Middle School XC alongside Mrs. Harmon again this year, which has given me the opportunity to experience coaching and working toward goals with the team. I have watched our kids from last year grow so much in the sport as well as in leadership. During their State meet, I watched each athlete push themself and achieve their personal goal as they trusted God through their run.

What is your deep hope for your students and/or our school this year?

My deep hope is for my students to see the footprint they can leave, whether good or bad, they make a difference in each-other’s lives as they all find their walk with God by questioning, growing, and reflecting in their actions and choices.

October 2023 Employee Spotlight - Mrs. Schumacher

ICS October 2023 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations, Mrs. Schumacher, ICS high school faculty and high school lead teacher

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?

I have been at ICS since 2015. I am currently enjoying my 9th year of teaching at ICS!

Left to right: Will Schumacher (son, 12th grade at ICS), Mrs. Schumacher, Brighton Schumacher (daughter, 9th grade at ICS), and Mr. Schumacher

What brought you to ICS?

I had been familiar with ICS since we moved to Utah in 2011, and I expressed to a friend that I would love to teach here if a high school English position was ever available. I got a text from that friend (a then employee) in June of 2015 about a position that had just become available. God’s timing was perfect as usual, and I am so grateful for that friend!

What is one encouraging thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?

An event that I find so encouraging every year is high school retreat at Big Canyon Ranch. It takes so much hard work and planning from student council, and I love watching how God works everything together for a meaningful retreat. Watching our high school students worship, play, take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting, and just be together is the highlight of my school year. God always does big things in that place. It’s a huge blessing and huge encouragement to me! 

What is your deep hope for your students and/or our school this year?

My deep hope for my students is to recognize, within the struggle that our world groans under, the gracious gifts that God has placed in our lives and to desire and discover how to best use these gifts in order to endure and then thrive in our identities as Christ followers.

September 2023 Employee Spotlight - Mrs. Clark

ICS September 2023 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations, Mrs. Clark, ICS college and career guidance counselor

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?

This is my first year as the College and Career Counselor at ICS.

Mrs. Clark, her husband Will, and their two sons, William (left) and Marshall (right).

What brought you to ICS?

I know that it was ultimately the Lord that led our family to the Salt lake area and then to ICS. My husband received a job in SLC at the beginning of 2022. My oldest attended ICS PreK in the 2022/2023 school year. My family is so grateful for the Christian community ICS has become for us. I now have two boys at ICS (PreK and kindergarten). It excites me to be able to partner in the mission of ICS - both as a parent and staff member.

What is one encouraging thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?

The joyful atmosphere at ICS has been such a blessing. The faculty, staff, and students at ICS possess a joy that simply has to be from the Lord. What a blessing it has been to see this joy as I walk the halls of ICS. 

What is your deep hope for your students and/or our school this year?

My Deep Hope is for my students to have the ability to cast off all anxiety through understanding and experiencing God’s great care for them.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”  1 Peter 5:6-7

May 2023 Employee Spotlight - Mrs. Buckley

May 2023 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations, Mrs. Buckley, ICS director of curriculum and instruction!

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?

I have had the pleasure of working at ICS for the past 20 years.  Currently, I am the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, but I have also served as a guidance counselor, board member, principal and dean of academics.  

What brought you to ICS?

Initially what brought me to ICS was the desire to have my children attend an excellent Christian school.  The summer my husband and I enrolled our kids, ICS was looking for a part-time guidance counselor.  I applied for the job, fell in love with the mission of ICS professionally, and my children and I started on the same day!

What is one encouraging thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?

Our faculty has been working hard this year bringing the key concepts of Teaching for Transformation to our classrooms.  The FLEx projects have been amazing and I am so proud of the ways our teachers are encouraging students to do "real work meeting real needs for real people."  Just this week a group from TfT was here to evaluate our teachers on their progress...I am so proud of all that they have accomplished this year!  Our teachers have done an exemplary job!

What is your deep hope for your students and/or our school this year?

My deep hope for ICS is to be a school where learners are challenged, every day, to see their part in God's great story.  My deep hope for our faculty is that we may see our own part in that story first; to know deeply how much He cares for, equips and calls us to His purpose so that we may then share that truth with our students.

March 2023 Employee Spotlight - Mrs. Florell

March 2023 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations, Mrs. Florell, ICS high school science faculty

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do? 

I have been part of ICS for more than 20 years as all three of my children started in PreK and have attended all the way through 12th grade. My youngest is a senior at ICS this year. I coached volleyball for 14 years and have been a part of the HS faculty teaching Strength & Agility and Anatomy & Physiology for the past 6 years.

What brought you to ICS? 

Before my husband and I had children, I worked at what was Carden Christian Academy in Park City. The school was PreK-8th grade and it was there that I was "introduced" to ICS. Many families chose ICS for their children's high school experience after graduating from 8th grade, so when we had a family of our own we knew we wanted them to be part of ICS.

What is one encouraging thing that has happened at school recently that you’d like to share?  

My love of teaching is ultimately rooted in my love of learning, so when I learn something new, it feels natural for me to want to share it. The student reflections from my Anatomy & Physiology class upon completion of our recent FLEx project were of great encouragement to me. Hearing from each individual what surprised them about the topic, what they learned about themselves, and how the process integrated their faith with their work fulfilled me as a teacher. There are so many layers of intentionality that go into teaching as I attempt to connect each subject matter to a biblical worldview and draw out of students their potential in various categories of life. For my students at this time, my hope and expectations for them were matched by their experiences - and that was encouraging!

What is your deep hope for your students and/or our school this year? 

My deep hope is "What if my students humbly believed that their human bodies are evidence of an intelligent, imaginative, Creator of complex systems driven by God's order?"

February 2023 Employee Spotlight - Mrs. Harp

February 2023 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations, Mrs. Harp, ICS pre-kindergarten teacher!

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do? 

I teach full-day PreK and this is my first year teaching here at ICS.

What brought you to ICS? 

After teaching PreK for many years in the valley, I was looking to teach in a vibrant, authentic Christian community. Through a series of events, I feel God led me to ICS. I feel very grateful and blessed to be a part of this community.

What is one encouraging thing that has happened at school recently that you’d like to share?  

Working at ICS, I feel encouraged in so many ways! We have an amazing administrative team who lets us know when we are doing well and helps us grow, supporting us in our spiritual walk through devotions, prayer, and worship. There are also wonderful teachers here who are welcoming and so helpful.

What is your deep hope for your students and/or our school this year? 

My deep hope for the boys and girls in PreK is that they would grow in wonder and awe, exploring God’s creation and His deep love for us. My prayer for our school is that we would continue to shine God’s light in this valley and grow in Him!

January 2023 Employee Spotlight

ICS January 2023 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations, Mr. Uzi, ICS Maintenance Director!

Mr. Uzi Montiel came to ICS in 2007 with the understanding that it was a two week long work assignment. Fifteen years later, Mr. Uzi is still at the helm of ICS as Maintenance Director.

Before working at ICS, Uzi and his wife ran a women’s clinic that served women from Tooele and Salt Lake City. Mr. Uzi did a lot of the clerical and administrative work. The clinic eventually closed, and Mrs. Montiel took a position at ICS as the Spanish and health teacher. The Montiels also had 4 kids attending ICS at the time. The next natural step was for Mr. Uzi to join ICS’s team, too!

Mr. Uzi appreciates working in a Christian environment and considers it his ministry to work on Lion Lane. His favorite parts of his day are when he gets to interact with the kids and the people in the hallways. He can often be seen on the lift retrieving lost items from the tall ceiling in the gym, salting our walkways on wintery days, assembling furniture, painting walls, and doing whatever else he is asked to do. His ICS community can vouch that he completes all tasks willingly and cheerfully.

The ICS students and teachers alike would agree that Mr. Uzi is very deserving of much more than a month of recognition. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to your work at ICS, Mr. Uzi!

December 2022 Employee Spotlight

ICS December 2022 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations, Mrs. Stoddard, ICS Operations Coordinator!

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?

This is my 7th year at ICS. I am the Operations Coordinator. I wear many hats in my position!

What brought you to ICS?

Upon moving back to Utah, 11 years ago, we knew we desired Christian education for our kids. We had been homeschooling our children in Washington and after moving we wanted to get plugged into ICS for our kids and our family. I began subbing, then worked the front desk, and now I serve in my current position as the Operations Coordinator.

What is one encouraging thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?

Participating in the first Parents in Prayer (PIP) gathering. Coming together as parents to pray over the lives and hearts of those within these walls was beyond encouraging. What a gift to lift this place and these kids up in prayer. The meeting was such a reminder to me of why we chose Christian education for our kids. Sidenote....anyone is welcome so come join PIP the first Tuesday of every month!

What is your Deep Hope for your students and/or our school this year?

My deep hope is for our students to be rooted and grounded in love so they may have strength to comprehend how wide, long, high, and deep the love of Christ is. That our students, by knowing this love, would be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. That we as a community and school would know that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

November 2022 Employee Spotlight

November 2022 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations, Ms. Potter, ICS third grade teacher!

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?

This is my 28th year at ICS. I teach third grade and have the privilege of leading the elementary team as Lead Teacher.

What brought you to ICS?

To say that God brought me to ICS may sound cliche, but it truly is the only answer I can give. One morning in late July I received a phone call from a former principal to fill a last-minute opening he had at a school that I didn't even know existed. I even filled out the application after I had already been hired. Only God can work out a situation like that! 

What is one thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?

My class is highly energetic and competitive. Lately, I was able to see a softer side of many of them emerge as they cared for the needs of a hurting classmate. That transformation made my heart smile!

What is your Deep Hope for your students and/or our school this year?

My deep hope for myself and my students is that as image bearers of God we would reflect a portion of His glory as we learn, grow, and work together to discover our role in the world around us.

October 2022 Employee Spotlight

October 2022 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations, Mrs. Lee, ICS art and dance faculty

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?

This is my 13th year at ICS. It has been quite the journey. I first came to ICS in 2010 to teach elementary art. Through the years I have had the privilege of teaching PreK enrichment and PreK as a Lead Teacher alongside art and dance. I am currently the teacher for all art and dance classes. 

What brought you to ICS?

Our oldest son was starting middle school, and we were searching for a good school for him to attend. God led us to ICS!  My sister told me about an open elementary art position and I applied. Our oldest, Hunter, and I started school at ICS on the same day — student and teacher — in 2010. Tanner joined us the year after. Both of our sons attended and graduated from ICS. I am thankful for the opportunity God has given me to share Christ through the arts at ICS. When I was little, I dreamed of being an art or dance teacher. ICS has provided that opportunity! 

What is one thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?

This month the Upper School dance team hiked to Lake Solitude for our Fall Dance Retreat, “You Matter.” It was refreshing being up in the mountains and studying God’s word together. As we hiked we made stops along the way and talked about our identity in Christ. It was a great time of team building and community! 

What is your Deep Hope for your students and/or our school this year?

My Deep Hope for my students is that they know that they are loved and that God created them for a relationship with Him. My prayer is that through exploring, discovering, and sharing the arts, they would either deepen their relationship with the Lord or come to know Him as Lord and Savior. We were created for relationships — relationships with each other and ultimately a relationship with God. Here’s my Deep Hope (posted in my classroom): “My Deep Hope is that students will Explore art and the world around them, Discover art and the artist within them and Share art through finished works as worship.”

September 2022 Employee Spotlight

September 2022 Employee Spotlight

Congratulations, Mrs. Skinner, ICS second grade teacher!

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?
This is my first year at ICS and I get to teach second grade!

What brought you to ICS?
I came across the 2nd grade opening in the spring when I started looking for a new school that would be closer to my home. I knew that I wanted to continue teaching 2nd grade, and God opened that door here at ICS! I came for an interview and immediately felt welcome and excited to be a part of the team. Teaching in a school where I can openly share the love of Jesus with students, partner with parents in caring spiritually for their kids, and work alongside other believers toward the same purpose and for God's glory is a unique opportunity. I am thankful to be a part of this community!

What is one thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?
One of my favorite things about teaching is seeing the lights come on for students for whatever we are learning about at that moment. I get to see kids go from frustrated or feeling defeated one moment to confident and enthusiastically telling everyone about it the next. We've had several of those moments recently, and it makes my teacher-heart excited to be on this learning adventure with them.

What is your hope for your students and/or our school this year?
My deep hope for my class is that we would delight in knowing Jesus as the Good Shepherd and live grace-filled lives as part of His flock. We have been reading an allegorical story of Psalm 23 together and noticing the ways that Jesus is our shepherd that is pictured in that Psalm. It has been so sweet for students to begin noticing that because we have a Good Shepherd, they can live grace-filled lives toward the people around them.

December 2021 Employee Spotlight

Mr. Begg, high school Bible teacher

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?
This is my 9th year at ICS and I teach HS Bible.

What brought you to ICS?
I was exiting a full time ministry position with Young Life and beginning a new part time ministry position with Nexus International. My name was passed along to ICS, and they contacted me about a part time HS Bible teaching opportunity and I jumped on it!

What is one thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?
There are always fun 'aha' moments with students as they learn different things about the Bible that they didn't know. A highlight would be going through the Bible with the class and discovering not only what God’s word says about following Christ, but where it says it as well.

What is your hope for your students and/or our school this year?
My hope for the students every year is that they fall more in love with Jesus each day.

January 2022 Employee Spotlight

Mrs. Combe, prekindergarten teacher

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?
I've been at ICS for 16 years and I am the prekindergarten teacher.

What brought you to ICS?
I came to ICS to be a kindergarten classroom aide in 2005, when my youngest son Kyle was starting school. The following year I had the privilege of joining the ICS faculty and began teaching prekindergarten. God definitely led me to this position and I have so cherished my relationship with the children in the classroom, the parents, and the staff.

What is one thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?
Being part of the Teaching for Transformation early adopters this year has been a fantastic learning experience. I’m super excited to see how this program impacts our already incredible school in the years to come.

What is your hope for your students and/or our school this year?
Teaching my little students that they are deeply loved by God and created for a purpose has been my passion for the last 16 years! I treasure every memory I’ve made here and am grateful for the friendships I’ve been blessed with.

February 2022 Employee Spotlight

Mrs. Pimentel, spanish teacher

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?
Our family has been at ICS for fifteen years. We will have our sixth child graduate from ICS this spring. I have been teaching here for 6 years.

What brought you to ICS?
I love that ICS is a non-denominational school that strives to lead people to Jesus while maintaining strong academic rigor.

What is one thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?
I have had the privilege of being an early adopter of the Teaching for Transformation training that our school is implementing. This training combines "best practices" in teaching with a Kingdom mindset. As an educator, it is exciting to see our school implementing evidence based teaching practices that will benefit our students and families. As a Christian, I get more space and support to frame everything that I teach with the good news of Jesus Christ.

What is your hope for your students and/or our school this year?
My hope for myself and my students is that we would remain in awe of God, framing all things with and responding to His love for us.

April 2022 Employee Spotlight

Mrs. MacAvoy, second grade teacher

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?
I’ve been teaching second and third graders for five years and this is my first year at ICS. I am the second grade teacher.

What brought you to ICS?
I joined the ICS family with the desire to provide Christ-centered, Christian education for young children.

What is one thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?
On St. Patrick’s Day, our class had fun doing math activities with Lucky Charms cereal! We made bar graphs and pie charts using the marshmallows. It was a fun and tasty time!

What is your hope for your students and/or our school this year?
I hope that my students will gain a love for learning, grow in their God-given strengths, and develop a greater understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ.