March 2023 Students of the Month

March 2023 Students of the Month

Congratulations to Dean Saullo (3rd), the March ICS Elementary Student of the Month!

Dean consistently displays a great work ethic and is a delightful student to have in class. When on the playground, he does not think of himself first, but rather, about how the group is working together. He desires to have peace and works toward that when things are not going well. Dean is a kind and determined student. It is my pleasure to teach him!

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Congratulations to Vera Adema (6th), the March ICS Middle School Student of the Month!

Vera is a great community builder among her classmates. Even as a 6th grader she is already a leader in MSLT by being a servant worker, ready to step in and help in every situation. Her teachers were especially impressed with her continued and high-quality help in making the recent lock-in a huge success!

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Congratulations to Kasey Hoar (11th), the March ICS High School Student of the Month! 

Kasey is a hard-working student, who is helpful and patient with her peers. She leads with humility as a member of the women’s football team, and maintains authentic connections with her teammates through her steadiness and dependability. Kasey is a blessing to ICS!

5 Stories of the Power of One Campus with 14 Grades!

5 Stories of the Power of One Campus with 14 Grades!

By Denise Buckley, ICS director of curriculum and instruction

There is a secret among our hallways. We come in, drop off our kids, and know it is a happy place. But when we look deeper we notice one of ICS’s super powers – the powerful integration of students at different grade levels learning together.

Ask a middle school student and I bet they can tell you who their reading buddy was in first grade (pictured). Or ask your child what class they worked with in January to learn their Pep Rally cheer – or about what grade they are pairing with for the National Honor Society special competition. 

ICS upper school dance team teaches PreK students dance technique.

Across grade levels, our students are often brought together and these relationships have an impact. This semester that impact is going even further as our youngest and oldest learners are joining together to do some authentic work.

A component of Teaching for Transformation is something called Formational Learning Experiences, or FLEx.  The essence of a FLEx is creating opportunities for students to do real work that meets the real needs of real people. Several of our teachers have combined grades to do a FLEx, allowing students to meet real needs together:

Binary Games in Computer Science:  Mr. Hildebrand teaches computer science in our middle school and high school. He challenged his AP Computer Science Principles class to design and code games and teaching tools that helped his younger students learn a new topic. Students teaching students!

Seventh graders read with their kindergarten reading buddies.

Dancing into Community:  Mrs. Lee teaches art and dance to students in nearly every grade at ICS. This winter, she asked her upper school dance team to teach preschool students (pictured). Her dancers worked with the prekindergarten class, getting to know them and developing community. They then led a movement class for prekindergarten. It was such a success the dancers plan to do it again this spring!

First Grade Poets:  Mr. Wittstock’s 8th graders have been writing poems and compiling a special poetry book. The first graders wanted to try their hand at poetry, too, and their 8th grade friends were happy to help! The first graders got top-notch learning and mentorship from the 8th grade and loved being able to connect with the big kids. Mrs. Banta’s and Mrs. Guy’s first graders will present their special poems to the residents at Rocky Mountain Care Center in March, hoping to both encourage and entertain.

Julius Caesar for Middle School:  Mrs. Smith’s English class just finished reading Julius Caesar. Now they will be reworking the play into modern form and sharing it with middle school students. The play will focus on the importance and impact of friendships - some helpful lessons for middle school students to hear and discuss!

Juniors play games with first graders at the ICS Junior Carnival.

Wisdom for Middle School Life: Mrs. Harmon’s 6th graders will be working with percentages and using them to model and graph data. Her students will track their screen time, analyze the data, and make predictions about how their screen time affects their success in middle school. They will then present their findings to our 5th graders, giving them some sage advice on how to be successful in middle school next year!

Want to learn more about our REALLY amazing FLEx work?  

These are some ways ICS students did REAL work to meet the REAL needs of REAL people!

(And these are only a few – each teacher is doing at least one FLEx with their students! Ask your child’s teacher about their FLEx!)

Read more here!

Mrs. Biel and Mr. Hobbs are working together to learn about what our local Pregnancy Resource Center provides the community. Mrs. Biel will bring a speaker into her health class while Mr. Hobbs will discuss the history of the pro-life movement in the United States. Then, during their trip to Moab, the 8th graders will serve at a PRC.

Mrs. Florell’s Anatomy & Physiology class studied the crisis of the shrinking Great Salt Lake and specifically the potential health effects on our community. They presented their research to the 5th grade class in December, and at a public forum to approximately 60 at the Holladay Library in January. You may also have seen their public service announcement on our social media sites.

As part of the Junior Achievement curriculum, Ms. Frazee’s fifth graders chose a business to help. They decided to partner with teh United Way, who is in need of bilingual books to share with the community. Ms. Frazee’s class will be doing a book drive this spring to help meet this need.

Miss Potter’s class learned that they are One of a Kind through a special writing and art project. After completing their essays and art project, these brave 3rd graders will present their work to high school students – who also need to learn that God sees them as one of a kind! This will be followed up with the annual 3rd Grade Wax Museum, where students learn about other one of kind people from history and share what they learn with the community by “becoming” that historic person in our living wax museum.

Ms. Reed asked each of her science students to research and present a long-term Curiosity Project. Assigned in August, her middle schoolers were asked to choose an intriguing science topic that was not part of our curriculum. Students then had a full semester to learn about the topic, create a slide presentation, and teach the topic to their classmates. Much hard work and critical learning went into these projects: research, presentation, time management, and teaching skills to name a few! And our middle school science students learned about so many new topics!

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!

February 2023 Students of the Month

February 2023 Students of the Month

Congratulations to Hazel McNamara (PreK), the February ICS Elementary Student of the Month!

Hazel is an attentive student and a kind friend. She loves to learn and is especially engaged in our daily Bible time. Her joy overflows during worship. She listens well and sets a good example for her peers when we are meeting on the rug. She is a wonderful friend, includes anyone who would like to join in play, and has many kind things to say to her peers. What a blessing it is to have Hazel in my classroom and in our school!

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Congratulations to Jackson Smith (8th), the February ICS Middle School Student of the Month!

Jackson excels in the classroom and is a great community builder among his classmates. He has shown his leadership ability this year in MSLT by being a servant worker, ready to step in and help in every situation. His teachers were especially impressed with him refereeing the student-faculty homecoming game (especially since the teachers won 😉).

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Congratulations to Kaleb Begg (12th), the February ICS High School Student of the Month!

Kaleb worked consistently and thoroughly to make sure that the cafeteria floor, foyer, and gym floor were spotless during the high school service project. His teachers agreed that he set an excellent example of service for his peers. Congrats, Kaleb!

Congratulations to David Autry (12th), the February ICS High School Student of the Month!

David worked consistently and thoroughly to make sure that the cafeteria floor, foyer, and gym floor were spotless during the high school service project. His teachers agreed that he set an excellent example of service for his peers. Congrats, David!

Meet the Delaney Family!

Meet the Delaney Family!

How did you first hear about ICS?

Before we moved to Utah in early 2018, we were visiting Salt Lake City to get a feel for the community and tour potential homes and schools for our family.  While eating breakfast in a local hotel (near ICS), my wife and I met an Alumni of ICS who shared his family's experiences with the school and encouraged us to visit the school to see if it might be a good fit for our kids.

How did you choose to send your children to ICS?

We had already made the decision that a Christian-based school system and community was what we wanted for our children and family.  After meeting with several Alumni and staff members of ICS (including the head of school), the experiences they shared were consistent with the experiences we were seeking out for our family.  After our daughter's first year with ICS (kindergarten), it was no question that we would stay at ICS and also bring our son into the pre-K program that following year.

The Delaney Family

What do you feel your children get at Intermountain Christian School that they would not get somewhere else?

1. Strong organizational foundation in our Christian faith. Not simply a class or time slot in the week, but principles and lessons woven into each daily interaction.

2. Individualized experiential care and learning from teachers and staff. We are all different and so are our kids. The teachers and staff know our kids and us as parents at a relatively deep level.  Proactive discussions and actioning among staff, parents and students are commonplace at ICS and they help optimize our children's learning and growth experience. I also believe that the ICS culture allows for a stronger community based upbringing that promotes overall well being across all modalities of life.

3. Connection to older students as informal (and maybe formal) role models. There are programs that promote older students to coach and guide the younger students. Both of our kids already have older classmates that they look up to and that have inspired them to become more engaged with extracurricular activities.

4. Compassionate discipline. Not discipline for the sake of discipline, but instead, having compassion for when we make mistakes and staying disciplined to the principles of how and why we do things and treat one another.

What do your children like the most about their education at ICS?

For our daughter - Teacher, friendships with students, extra curricular activities (dance)

For our son - Teacher, "block time", bible verses, outside play, friendships with students

What advice would you give families who are considering ICS?

Spend time thinking introspectively about what you hold important to your kids and family.  Once you have that clear in your mind and heart, talk with several ICS staff and alumni about their experiences (along with other schools to compare with). Decide on what is most important for you and your family. 

What makes ICS special for your family?

The community and culture across ICS staff, students, and alumni.

January 2023 Students of the Month

January 2023 Students of the Month

Congratulations to Harper Parrish (1st), the January ICS Elementary Student of the Month!

Harper Parrish is a joy to have in class. She comes to school ready and eager to learn and challenges herself daily. This year she has grown so much in her writing and reading — it is a joy to watch her creativity and reflections in both subjects. She shows love, patience, honesty, and self-control in everything she does. Harper makes a footprint in others’ hearts by reflecting God's love in all that she does. Congrats, Harper!

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Congratulations to Knox Westenskow (7th), the January ICS Middle School Student of the Month!

Knox is an extremely hard worker in the classroom and a great encouragement to his classmates. He uses his natural leadership ability to influence his fellow middle schoolers for the better, and he does a great job being an image reflector with his positive and respectful attitude, especially during PE. 

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Congratulations to AJ Peek (9th), the January ICS High School Student of the Month!

AJ Peek is not only a fantastic basketball player but is a diligent student who demonstrates his love for Jesus and others through his kind heart. He shows integrity in sports and in the classroom. AJ is a leader on and off of the court, and we love having him in the ICS community!

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!

Theater Students Perform at Utah Shakespeare Festival

ICS Students Perform at Utah Shakespeare Festival

By Becky Schumacher, high school english faculty and lead teacher

The high school theater conservatory class

This past September, our high school theater conservatory class attended the Utah Shakespeare Festival to compete in the Shakespeare Competition in Cedar City, UT. The festival itself is widely known in Utah as well as the United States as one of the premier festivals celebrating not only the works of the bard, but also the world of drama. The competition provides high school students the opportunity to observe peer and professional performances and be evaluated and adjudicated by professionals in the fields of drama and dance.

Our students started their Shakespeare journey as soon as school commenced this year. Each student auditioned with a Shakespeare monologue. Theater Director Tess Tally, along with her daughter, Heather Geertgens, then selected and assigned students to various roles and competitive events. Heather brought her experience as a former Shakespeare festival competitor to act as our resident expert and coach. Her knowledge was incredibly valuable as our students went into the competition as rookies, facing 3,000 other students.

Students prepare to perform at the festival.

Students rehearsed during conservatory class as well as after school to prepare for events in the theater ensemble event, duo, trio as well as two dance events, the duet and ensemble. Three of our students competed in the monologue competition as well. The festival began on Thursday, September 29. Theater mom and trip coordinator extraordinaire, Kim Heiple, arranged and organized all travel accommodations. She brought together a network of theater parents who willingly gave of their time and energy to support our students in their creative endeavors. Upon arriving at the festival, our students watched the Southern Utah University players’ performance of Macbeth. Friday morning saw students out at the crack of dawn for the competitions–dance, theater ensemble, duos, trios, and monologues–all scattered around campus and at various times. Students had to navigate costumes and props, while hurrying from performance to performance. And our ICS performers were ready. They acted and danced, never cracking under the pressure. They spoke well, moved well, responded to feedback, made changes, showed incredible poise and ability, and celebrated each other’s gifts and talents in a Christ-like manner. They were truly a light, taking any chance they had to speak and offer encouragement to competitors from other schools and showing up at each other’s competitions as an audience of support. The competitions spanned both Friday and Saturday, and on Friday night our group was able to catch the Festival performance of Clue. As the competition ended on Saturday afternoon October 1, we headed home–happy with our performance, grateful for the new experience, and maybe more than a little exhausted.

Natalie Russell (12th) and Will Schumacher (11th) perform their skit in front of their peers at ICS before heading to the festival.

But what an amazing experience for our theater students! And in our rookie season we put up some impressive stats, placing 6th overall. The competition itself was indeed valuable.The preparation and execution of performances in a venue that was not the ICS Blackbox Theater as well as receiving and responding to adjudication from trained professionals was something that our students were so blessed to be a part of–and also…it was so so fun! We are looking forward to heading back next year with a little more experience under our belts.

Meet Coach Taylor!

Meet Coach Taylor!

What’s your new ICS position?

​I am the new head golf coach!

Where are you from?

I am from La Habra Heights, California. I was born in Idaho Falls and lived in La Habra Heights from 7-17 years old. I graduated from the University of Utah! After college, I worked for a major airline in Los Angeles. Though, I always wanted to move back to Salt Lake City. After many years in L.A., we found a beautiful place in Draper and moved back to the Wasatch Front in 2016.

Where do you go to church?

We attend Corner Canyon Church in Draper.

Tell us about your family!

I got married in 1992 to the beautiful Suzanne Marie. We have two children: London (24) and Suzie (21). Suzanne loves theatre, commercial theatre, and helping others. Suzie "Q" (we call her) goes to school on-line at Arizona State University and works full-time in Studio City at Beverly Glen Deli. She has a ball there and will finish college in May! London went to college in England and graduated in 2019 in International Relations. He is very successful working for two international corporations, one in Canada and one in England.

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

Our family loves to travel. We postponed our travelling during the pandemic; but have made up for it this year with trips to Panama, Hilo Hawaii, Germany, Wisconsin, Mexico, and Orlando. Phew! That's a lot of places in one year!

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

I am looking forward to helping our ICS students strive to develop strong Christian character through sports (especially through the sport of golf)!

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

I love western movies, the mountain west, Yellowstone, and Zion. I love the outdoors! I think that is why I love golf so much!

Meet the Glenn Family

Meet the Glenn Family!

The Glenn family came to ICS fall 2022 in search of a school for their daughter, Eliana. The Glenns desired to send their daughter to a school that would challenge her academically, and also reinforce (as opposed to compete with) the biblical worldview she learns at home and at church. After evaluating the options for Christian education, ICS became the clear choice for the Glenns! 

Part of what solidified the choice for the Glenn family were the smaller class sizes and an intentional Jesus-centered learning environment. Since attending ICS, Eliana has become excited about learning. She enjoys reading and loves sharing with her parents all the fun things she learns in science. 

Thank you for trusting ICS with the early stages of Eliana’s education, Glenn family! We are privileged to partner with you.

Adding Up the Math Department

Adding Up the Math Department

By Jennifer Adema, ICS admissions director

Mr. Christiansen and students

Brewster Christiansen originally walked the halls of ICS as a student, graduating in 2002. Mr. Christiansen returns to Intermountain Christian School as the K-12 Math Department chair with decades of mathematical instruction experience. Mr. Christiansen is taking a holistic approach to math and will be involved to some extent with math in all grades at ICS. He will work through a process called vertical teaming, partnering with teachers from all grades to assure seamless transitions from grade to grade in the study of math.

Mr. Christiansen hopes to see an interest in math grow all the way up through 12th grade. Elementary teachers can look for gaps in mathematical comprehension and work to bridge those gaps, improving the student body’s fluency in math skills. An ICS education allows differentiation for math beginning in 8th grade. Students can choose to take Math 8 or Algebra I during their 8th grade year. This allows students to be challenged and develop a deeper understanding of math facts and concepts, preparing them for their high school years. As students continue through each grade level at ICS, he hopes that more high school students will choose to push beyond Utah state standards and take a math course their senior year. 

Mr. Christiansen has set goals for the Math Department which can be measured over time through increase standardized test scores, both on the national and local levels. He says that math is an important part of life — because beyond learning facts, math can extend into other areas of learning. Math requires critical thinking, problem solving, and logical thinking. All areas of academia require these skills. A strong Math Department will lead to a strong Science Department, and so on. 

Mr. Christiansen is already showing his dedication to providing excellence in Christian education at ICS through mathematics. ICS is confident that the Math Department will challenge and encourage students to look beyond the calculator and understand the importance of math — in and out of the classroom!

December 2022 Students of the Month

December 2022 Students of the Month

Congratulations to Penelope Lan (2nd), the December ICS Elementary Student of the Month!

Penelope is an exceptional student and friend to everyone! She is kind, patient, and we often see her inviting and including others. She is quick to notice when there is a need and is always willing to help. Penelope comes to school ready and eager to learn. She listens closely, shows a positive attitude, and perseveres through challenges. Penelope is creative and especially shines in her artwork and writing! It is a blessing to have Penelope at ICS!

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Congratulations to Jane Rudd (7th), the December ICS Middle School Student of the Month!

From her performance in Into the Woods, to her role in the dance program, Jane is known as a great encourager who takes what she does seriously. She is quick with a smile and a kind word to those around her, and she loves to interact with her classmates. Jane is a wonderful part of what makes our middle school community great!

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Congratulations to Grace Heiple (9th), the December ICS High School Student of the Month!

Grace has a servant's heart. She was an enthusiastic participant in our school fundraiser for Holding Out H.E.L.P. as well as a diligent and hard worker during the theater performance of Into the Woods. Grace also uses her artistic gifts to create beautiful works of art in her classes. She is a blessing to ICS!

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.

TFT continues at ICS!

TfT Continues at ICS!

By ICS Director of Curriculum and Instruction Denise Buckley

Mrs. Banta (1st grade teacher) teaches in front of her Deep Hope.

This summer, I was asked to speak at one of our alumni events, and it was such a challenge to decide what to share! I have so many great memories of ICS, from a variety of perspectives. As a parent, I am incredibly grateful that my kids have attended (or still attend!) ICS; to have them at a place with excellent teachers who also pray for them has been priceless. As an employee, I have loved working at ICS. As the guidance counselor I basked in the joys of helping kids make plans for their futures — both the years when the graduating class was 10 and the years when we had big classes of 26. Each one was special. As an administrator, I have been blessed to lead an excellent team of teachers. I am in awe of the gifted, committed professionals God brings to our staff.

After pondering so many excellent memories, I decided that what best sums up my memories is my Deep Hope for Intermountain Christian School.

For the past several years, we have been preparing to bring Teaching for Transformation (TfT) to our school. We began by testing the waters of this program theoretically; then we invited some teachers to try it out as our early adopters. This year, all of our faculty will be involved with TfT. In a nutshell, TfT combines intentional biblical integration with educational best practices. In full transparency, I started as a skeptic: I have been an educator for 20+ years and have seen so many programs come and go. I am no longer apt to trust the latest new idea. But I have become a huge fan of TfT; it is rich with biblical integration and strong educational protocols. TfT is going to add great things to our school.

As part of Teaching for Transformation, each person on staff is asked to construct a written Deep Hope for our work at ICS. This Deep Hope is our guiding principle of sorts — the “why” of what we do. Our Deep Hope represents why we each followed the call to work in a Christian school.

My Deep Hope for ICS is to be a school where — in all areas — learners are challenged to see themselves as part of God’s Great Story. May we, as the ICS community, see our own part in that story and know deeply how much He cares for, equips, and calls us to His purpose.

Mrs. Heile (high school science teacher) with her Deep Hope

Though written for this coming school year, these lines represent what I have always desired for ICS: to be a place where seeking God’s purpose and plan is paramount. As a parent, and as an educator, I want ICS to be strong in what we offer academically and equally as strong in what we offer spiritually. We need to be a place where — in addition to math, science, and humanities — students learn about God, His story, and how each of us fits into His grand, purposeful plans.

God’s Great Story involves creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Over the past 40 years our school has seen evidence of each of these steps. ICS was created with a dream and a vision and God’s blessing. Through the years we have experienced moments of “falling,” then relying on Christ’s redemption to restore us. Over and over again, we embrace that cycle — trusting in His forgiveness, His presence, and His gracious reminder that we are indeed a part of His story.

So, as I look back and look forward, my Deep Hope for ICS remains the same. In a fallen world where confusion reigns, may we be a place where our students can know that God is real and that He has called each of them to be a part of His Great Story. Here’s to another 40 years, ICS!

ICS Partners with Holding Out HELP

ICS Partners with Holding Out H.E.L.P

Written by ICS Admissions Director Jennifer Adema

Students prepare to deliver donated items to HOH

Throughout the month of October, our entire student body participated in a service project benefiting Holding out H.E.L.P (HOH). The school levels participated in a friendly competition, with ultimately the elementary students winning! The students were charged with bringing in much needed items including paper towels, toilet paper, Gatorade, and more. Altogether, PreK-12th grade collected 249 packages of items. The elementary prize for the grade that brought in the most items is a coveted extra recess. Congratulations, elementary students, for donating the most resources (156 packaged items) to HOH!

ICS has partnered with HOH for many years. This partnership is a unique opportunity for ministry here in the Salt Lake Valley. When looking through the ICS throughlines, this service project was a tangible way for the entire student body to act as justice seekers. Students in all 14 grades on campus sought to bring “wholeness where there is brokenness” by providing these necessities to the families working with HOH. The youngest students through the class of ‘23 were able to “Do justice and love mercy” through this service project. (Micah 6:8).

The donation drop off team at HOH

ICS mom Ronda Edmunds has this to say about HOH: “God greatly impacted our family through the work of HOH. Because of their aid to those leaving a polygamous cult, we were blessed with the adoption of our oldest son. I’m so thankful the ICS community understands the sufferings of these real people with real needs right here in our valley. The generous giving of the ICS community will help HOH continue to provide the love and support those leaving polygamy need.”

ICS hopes the completion of this service project encourages students and families to look for other ways to continually be justice seekers in God’s world.

November 2022 Students of the Month

November 2022 Students of the Month

Congratulations to Reed Gutzwiller (5th), the November ICS Elementary Student of the Month!

Congratulations to Reed Gutzwiller (5th), the November ICS Elementary Student of the Month! Reed consistently exudes the Fruit of the Spirit! He is always polite, humble, kind, joyful, and helpful. He comes to school ready to learn, and he has a good attitude no matter what is happening around him. Reed is not afraid of making mistakes and trying again. It is evident that he loves Jesus, his family, and his classmates. It is such a joy to have Reed at ICS!

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Congratulations to Lydia Pham (7th), the November ICS Middle School Student of the Month!

Lydia has stood out in how she cares for her classmates and peers. She is empathetic and encouraging to everyone around her. She is always willing to lend a hand when it is needed. In her short time here at ICS she has made a huge impact on the students and teachers who interact with her daily. Lydia has been a blessing to the ICS community!

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Congratulations to Sienna McNamara (10th), the November ICS High School Student of the Month!

Congratulations to Sienna McNamara (10th), the November ICS High School Student of the Month! Sienna always gives her best in the classroom. She is kind, very respectful, and is willing to help her peers if they are struggling. Sienna's love for Jesus is obvious and is reflected in her actions toward her teachers and classmates. Joy seems to emanate from her daily as she always has a smile on her face. She is a great addition to the sophomore class!

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.

Meet Mr. Taylor!

Meet Mr. Taylor!

What’s your new ICS position?

I am the new middle school speech and debate teacher!

Where are you from?

I am from Yorba Linda, California.  I moved out here to be the Pastor of Corner Canyon Church in Draper, UT.  

Where do you go to church?

Corner Canyon Church

Tell us about your family!

I have been married to my wife, Laura, for almost nine years! We have two kids together, Abigail (6) and Kenny (4).  

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

I love researching and thinking about the evidence for God's existence. I am passionate about philosophy, theology, and especially debate! 

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

I look forward to connecting with the students and helping them think through tough subjects so that they can be successful in speech, debate, and in life! 

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

I love comedy and humor! I love to laugh and watch movies.... and I can quote movies like you wouldn't believe! I also wrestled in high school and college. AND I really enjoy long distance running.

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.”

October 2022 Students of the Month

October 2022 Students of the Month

Congratulations to Gabe Pierson (K), the October ICS Elementary Student of the Month!

Gabe is a wonderful student and friend. His sweet smile lights up every room he enters. He is always a good listener and is first to answer questions during our lessons. He loves his friends by playing nicely and taking turns. Gabe’s gentle spirit is a blessing to everyone he meets. He works hard and points others to do the right thing. We are so blessed to have Gabe in our kindergarten class this year!

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Congratulations to CJ Barber (8th), the October ICS Middle School Student of the Month!

CJ has been exceptional in watching out for younger students and encouraging them in their learning. Whether it be helping them study or being a mature presence to help others focus, CJ has shined. Her actions of Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness and Love have promoted Peace in the classroom. Additionally, CJ's skills and great attitude appear on the court as she plays on the MS volleyball team!

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Congratulations to Natalie Russell (12th), the October ICS High School Student of the Month!

Natalie continues to earn recognition for her steadfast work helping her peers! As a member of the worship team, she has volunteered her time to help new members feel comfortable. In bells, she partners with younger classmates to help develop their musical skills, and she selflessly jumps in whenever her teachers need a hand or even just encouragement. Natalie is a blessing to our high school!