Meet Mrs. Smith!

Meet Mrs. Smith!

What's your new ICS title and position?

I am the new kindergarten teacher at ICS. This will be my 6th kindergarten class.

Where are you from? If you're not originally from UT, how did you end up here?

Originally, I am from a small suburb of LA, California. I went to Humboldt State University and met my husband. We both received our Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and our Teaching Credential. After our second child was born, we moved to Utah. Then in August 2009, my husband got a job with the Jordan School District. He is in his 15th year teaching second grade. I’ve taught preschool - eighth grade over the past 20 years.

Where do you go to Church?

We attend Crossroads Church in Sandy!

What is something most people don't know about you?

I am most passionate about teaching children about God’s Word through reading, writing, singing, sign language, and art.

What are you looking forward to most in your new role at ICS?

In my new role at ICS, I am looking forward to being a part of a Christian school family that loves and serves Jesus Christ.

Tell us about your family!

My family includes my husband, Matthew, our 16 year old daughter, Peyton, our 14 year old son, Jayden, and our eight year old daughter, Mikayla. We love sports, our three Springer Spaniel dogs, and road trips.

What else would you like the ICS community to know about you?

I love long walks with my family in God’s beautiful creation.

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Welcome to ICS, Mrs. Smith! Your ICS community is looking forward to getting to know you more this fall. We’ll see you soon!

March 2022 Employee Spotlight

Mrs. Banta, kindergarten teacher

How long have you been at ICS and what do you do?
This is my first year teaching at ICS and I teach kindergarten!

What brought you to ICS?
I was at another school and was looking for a different teaching opportunity. I had two friends that worked at ICS who reached out to me and then Mitch contacted me as well. At first, I wasn't sure about teaching Kindergarten since I hadn't done it before, but I am so glad and grateful that I work here now. I love it!

What is one thing that has happened at school recently that you'd like to share?
In my classroom we are always on the lookout for ways that we can love like Jesus. Watching my students grow as they live out acts of grace, kindness, and love to each other has been amazing. There have been words of comfort shared with those who are hurting, help offered to others, and even the giving up of things for classmates. I also found out recently that some of the students are implementing the same things at home. It's an encouragement to watch them grow in Christlike character.

What is your hope for your students and/or our school this year?
My goal for my students is that while they learn basic skills in school, they are also learning about Jesus. My hope is that as they learn, they fall in love with Him, and as they get older that love grows into a lifelong relationship.

Meet Mrs. Banta!

What's your new ICS title and position? I’m excited to be the new Kindergarten teacher!

Where are you from? If you're not originally from UT, how did you end up here? I grew up in Kansas as part of a large family. My six siblings and I were raised by strong and faithful Christian parents. While living in Kansas, I met my husband who was from Oklahoma. Because of his job we have had the great opportunity to live all over the United States and see incredible things and meet amazing people along the way. We have lived in Texas, Arkansas, West Virginia, Washington, and Utah. We originally came here because of work, but then fell in love with the people and the mission field and the mountains.

Where do you go to Church? We go to Hope Church. We have attended since 2014 and absolutely love it! I get to serve with the children regularly and my husband is a deacon. We have a great community group that is like our family.

Tell us about your family! My husband and I have been married for 17 years and have 6 kids. Our oldest is 16 and our youngest is 6. We have been fostering our six year for almost a year. We love to do things together as a family whether it be board games, hiking, or sporting events. We love learning the history of places and seeing the beauty of God’s creation. I’ve had the pleasure of homeschooling our children at different ages and we have loved watching our children grow into amazing young people. We love to open our home to people and share food, laughter, and games. 

What is something most people don't know about you? OR What are you most passionate about? My true passion is Biblical archeology and history. I love reading, listening to music and sharing what I know with those around me. I’m a very competitive game player and am passionate about winning. I’ve been known to throw a shoe or two if I lose… ;) I am also a big KU fan (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!) and my husband and I get a bit crazy during college basketball season.

What are you looking forward to most in your new role at ICS? I’m excited to be in an environment that allows me to glorify God in everything I do. I love teaching and I’m so happy to be working with such a fun age group. This age loves to be silly but they are so excited to learn as well.

What else would you like the ICS community to know about you? I can be fun but I am also serious about teaching. Being able to share truth and watch as young people grasp concepts that they had not thought of before gives me a lot of joy. I am passionate about my Savior and my faith and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve in the Valley alongside fellow believers. 

Welcome to ICS, Mrs. Banta! We are excited for you to be a part of the lion community!