INTERMOUNTAIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL BLOG
April 2025 Students of the Month
Congratulations to ICS’s April 2025 Students of the Month!
Celebrate these students with us!
Congratulations to Caleb, the April ICS Elementary Student of the Month!
Congratulations to Caleb Pletcher (5th), our April ICS Elementary Student of the Month! Caleb demonstrates exceptional leadership as a two-time member of the Elementary School Leadership Team (ESLT). He also contributes his musical talents to the elementary school worship team as a drummer, working alongside Mrs. Sophia Lee. Through his dedication to both leadership and music, Caleb helps make our school community stronger. We are proud to have him as part of our 5th grade class!
Congratulations to David, the April ICS Middle School Student of the Month!
Congratulations to David Gonzalez (7th), our April Middle School Student of the Month! David has shown remarkable growth this year through his contributions to The ICS Times, our middle school newspaper. His creative writing and artistic talents shine through in his comics and articles, while his kind and thoughtful nature makes him a valued classmate. We are proud of David's achievements!
Congratulations to Audrey, the April ICS High School Student of the Month!
Congratulations to Audrey Cole, our April High School Student of the Month! Audrey has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication through her contributions to both the state debate team and the school production of Emma. Her encouraging attitude and strong work ethic have made a significant impact on her fellow students and our school community. We are proud of Audrey's accomplishments!
March 2025 Students of the Month
Congratulations to ICS’s March 2024 Students of the Month!
Celebrate these students with us!
Congratulations to Merrick, the March ICS Elementary Student of the Month!
Merrick exemplifies working hard, playing hard, and following Jesus. He is all in with everything he does. Merrick is an enthusiastic student who is always looking for ways to help his peers and help around the classroom. In particular, he loves being an order-discoverer. Merrick enjoys learning about how things work and he really likes math. When he makes a mistake with his classwork or with a classmate, he works hard to make it right. It is a joy to have Merrick in class.
Congratulations to Oliver, the March ICS Middle School Student of the Month!
Congratulations to Oliver, our middle school student of the month for March! Oliver is an easy going guy that is a friend to all he encounters. He is always kind and helpful to his classmates and teacher alike. He stays on top of his schoolwork and loves to have fun, especially on the basketball court. We are so thankful to have Oliver in middle school!
Congratulations to Sydney, the March ICS High School Student of the Month!
As a freshman, Sydney has already made a positive impact on our school community through her dedication, joyful spirit, and unwavering encouragement to those around her. Sydney consistently approaches each day with a smile and a heart to serve others. She goes above and beyond to make those around her feel supported and valued. Her positive attitude is truly contagious. In addition to her servant heart, Sydney excels in her classes, maintaining excellent grades and demonstrating a strong work ethic. Congratulations, Sydney– your hard work and heart for others do not go unnoticed!
February 2025 Students of the Month
Congratulations to ICS’s February 2024 Students of the Month!
Celebrate these students with us!
Congratulations to Ellarina, the February ICS Elementary Student of the Month!
Congratulations to Ellarina (1st grade), our February ICS Elementary Student of the Month! Ellarina is an absolute joy to teach. She exemplifies a servant’s heart, always eager to lend a hand wherever needed. Ellarina thinks of others before herself. She beautifully reflects God’s image in all she does, showing kindness, a joyful spirit, and a dedication to both hard work and fun. Ellarina is a wonderful friend to everyone around her, and we are truly blessed to have her in our class!
Congratulations to Isabel, the February ICS Middle School Student of the Month!
Congratulations to Isabel (6th grade), our February Middle School student of the month! Isabel is known to be a hard worker and asks great questions in class. But she is best known in middle school for her kindness and being a friend to all. She works well with other students and is not afraid to stretch herself to try new things. We are thankful for Isabel and her sweet spirit in middle school!
Congratulations to Nick, the February ICS High School Student of the Month!
Nick Hansen (10th grade) has had such a positive attitude and has been an encouragement to everyone. His hard work in the classroom has not gone unnoticed by his teachers. We appreciate all the ways he has stepped up and acted as a community builder!
January 2025 Students of the Month
Congratulations to ICS’s December 2024 Students of the Month!
Celebrate these students with us!
Congratulations to Uriah, the January ICS Elementary Student of the Month!
Uriah is the true embodiment of Mr. Hobbs' Deep Hope for the elementary school, "Work hard, play hard, follow Jesus!" He tackles his classwork with diligence and enthusiasm, is imaginative and competitive at recess, and has a heart for following God's word. Uriah shines in the classroom, yet is a humble and kind young man who is always willing to encourage and support his classmates. He loves Jesus and actively pursues God's ways. Thanks, Uriah, for contributing to our classroom community in so many great ways!
Congratulations to Caleb, the January ICS Middle School Student of the Month!
Congratulations to Valeska, our Middle School student of the month for January! Valeska is always willing to help, whether it be in the classroom or with the first graders during STEM class. She has such a positive attitude and participates to the fullest in whatever she is doing. We are so thankful for her willingness to go above and beyond expectations and her daily wise choices. We are so proud to have Valeska in middle school!
Congratulations to Ellie, the January ICS High School Student of the Month!
Ellie, our remarkable Student Body President, has been named Student of the Month for her exceptional leadership and dedication in the planning of what is sure to be an unforgettable Homecoming Week at ICS. Ellie has worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail of the week reflects the spirit and pride of our school. Ellie's passion and commitment to serving her peers is evident in every step of the process. Ellie’s love for ICS and her peers shines through in all she does. Her ability to listen, collaborate, and inspire others is making a lasting impact on the student body. And we love to see her reflect the heart of Jesus!
December 2024 Students of the Month
Congratulations to ICS’s December 2024 Students of the Month!
Celebrate these students with us!
Congratulations to Page, the December ICS Elementary Student of the Month!
Page Buckner works hard at every task in front of him. He is generally the first one to follow directions at circle time and tries very hard to be a good listener. As a community-builder, Page tries to include all of the children in play time, and loves to work alongside them in the writing center. Acting as an exemplary earth-keeper, Page helps pick-up our playground unprompted. Because he has worked so hard, Page sets a good example for the other children, and has shown so much growth since the beginning of the year. Congratulations to Page for being our December Student-of-the-Month!
Congratulations to Caleb, the December ICS Middle School Student of the Month!
Congratulations to Caleb Swank (6th) our middle school student of the month for December! Caleb’s enthusiasm is contagious and he has such a positive attitude in class, and a consistent excitement. He loves to learn new things, whether it be in theater or in math. He is always willing to help out his classmates and teachers. We are thankful for Caleb and the spark of joy he brings to middle school.
Congratulations to Cristen, the December ICS High School Student of the Month!
Cristen worked hard as the stage manager for our recent theater production, making sure that her peers had what they needed. Cristen balances her theater commitment with high achievement in her classes, and she is an encouragement to her peers in and out of the classroom.
November 2024 Students of the Month
Congratulations to ICS’s November 2024 Students of the Month!
Celebrate these students with us!
Congratulations to Quinn, the November ICS Elementary Student of the Month!
Quinn (5th grade) is seen as a servant worker and community builder in her classroom. She regularly offers a helping hand to her classmates and teachers. Quinn has a positive attitude and approaches each task with diligence and care. She remains focused on her assignments and is respectful to others. Quinn’s hard work and dedication earned her this month’s recognition.
Congratulations to Ellington, the November ICS Middle School Student of the Month!
Ellington (8th grade) goes out of her way to include others to help them feel more comfortable and connected. She is an encouragement to younger students in middle school and is a role model for many. As a student, Ellington is conscientious in her work. It is Ellington’s first year at ICS, and she has adjusted quickly and has stepped up as a valuable leader in her class.
Congratulations to Noah, the November ICS High School Student of the Month!
Noah (12th grade) continually works hard in each of his classes, and remains energetic and motivated throughout his senior year. He is influential among his peers in positive ways, and is consistently recognized as a peacemaker. Noah was a valued member of the baseball team, and will play basketball again next season.
October 2024 Students of the Month
Congratulations to ICS’s October 2024 Students of the Month!
Celebrate these students with us!
Congratulations to Stella, the October ICS Elementary Student of the Month!
Stella (kindergarten) is an excellent student. She takes an initiative to help her table, her class, and her teachers. She has a servant heart and works to show God’s love to others continually. She works diligently in all her subjects and excels in them. Stella loves to draw and color and make the world around her more beautiful. She is a sweet presence in the kindergarten classroom.
Congratulations to Lincoln, the October ICS Middle School Student of the Month!
Congratulations to our Middle School Student of the Month, Lincoln (6th)! In the short time Lincoln has been in middle school, he has managed to make friends in every grade. He has proven to be focused in class as well as able to have fun with his peers. His teachers say that he is a leader in the classroom and respectful to teachers and peers alike. Way to go, Lincoln!
Congratulations to Matthew, the October ICS High School Student of the Month!
Matthew (9th) is new to ICS this year and has wasted no time getting plugged into the ICS community. He is a hard worker and a friend to all. He is always jumping in to help whenever and wherever he is needed. His positive attitude is contagious in the classroom and on the cross country course. Matthew is consistently respectful to his teachers and his peers, and he is a joy to be around!
From South Carolina to Salt Lake City, Meet Darah Doty
Darah Doty came to ICS by way of South Carolina. The opportunity to teach at a strong Christian school motivated Darah to apply for the second grade teacher position.
Relocated from South Carolina to Salt Lake City, Meet Darah Doty
Darah Doty came to ICS by way of South Carolina. The opportunity to teach at a strong Christian school motivated Darah to apply for the second grade teacher position. Her faith in God is integrated in everything she does in the classroom. Her faith influences how she views each student, how she problem solves and of course, the foundation of academics.
Mrs. Doty’s favorite part about coming to work every day is being with her students. When she’s not in the classroom, she enjoys a variety of hobbies. She's an avid reader, knitter, and baker. To stay active, she enjoys working out and hiking. And here's a fun fact: Mrs. Doty is a big hockey fan!
The Doty family has been attending Evangelical Free Church. Darah’s two sons are students at ICS; Matthew is a freshman and Jonathan is in his junior year.
We are grateful the Dotys landed in Utah! Please join us in giving Mrs. Doty a warm ICS welcome. We're confident she will be a blessing to our second graders and the ICS community!
September 2024 Students of the Month
Congratulations to ICS’s September 2024 Students of the Month!
ICS September 2024 Students of the Month
Celebrate these students with us!
Congratulations to Charlie, the September ICS Elementary Student of the Month!
Our Elementary School Student of the Month is Charlie. Charlie is an exceptional young man who always speaks with kindness and is the first one to lend a helping hand. He is a community builder, seeking to meet the needs of those around him and celebrate his friends' victories. Charlie leads by example as he strives for excellence in his academics and in his actions. We are blessed to have him in our class this year!
Congratulations to Landon, the September ICS Middle School Student of the Month!
Congratulations to Landon, our September Middle School Student of the Month! From the lacrosse field to the classroom, Landon consistently shows up, ready to tackle anything that comes his way. What has stood out to his teachers most this month is his willingness to help, even without being told to do so. He is always willing to assist a fellow student in Math class and even cleaned up the cafeteria after chapel on his own. Landon's kindness and respect for others is a shining light in middle school!
Congratulations to Molly, the September ICS High School Student of the Month!
Our High School Student of the Month is Molly. Molly is a hard-working member of Student Council and worked alongside her peers this summer to plan the high school retreat. She leads with humility and patience. Molly has also stepped up to be the yearbook editor this year. Molly is also a diligent student and leads her peers by example in her classes each day.
Faith, Formulas, and Fresh Perspectives: Meet ICS's Inspiring New Math and Computer Science Teacher
Welcome to ICS! We're thrilled to introduce our newest addition to the ICS family, Tiffany Clark. Mrs. Clark brings a fresh perspective and infectious enthusiasm to our high school math and computer science classes.
Get to Know Tiffany Clark
Welcome to ICS! We're thrilled to introduce Tiffany Clark, one of our newest addition to the ICS family. Mrs. Clark brings a fresh perspective and impressive professionalism to our high school math and computer science classes.
With a heart full of passion for education and faith, Mrs. Clark was drawn to ICS for its unique blend of academic excellence and spiritual growth. She believes in the power of learning to transform lives and is excited to nurture both the minds and spirits of our students.
One of the things that makes Mrs. Clark special is her attitude of gratitude. She starts each day with a thankful heart, always ready to recognize and celebrate the contributions of others. This spirit of appreciation is a cornerstone of her faith and teaching style.
In the classroom, Mrs. Clark shines brightest when there's a clear plan in place. She loves creating structured, efficient learning environments where students can thrive. Her organized approach helps make even the most complex math and computer science concepts feel manageable and fun!
When she's not inspiring young minds, you might find Mrs. Clark cheering on her favorite teams - the Miami Dolphins and the Lakers. But her true joy comes from quiet moments with her family, recharging for another day of teaching.
We feel truly blessed to have Mrs. Clark join our ICS family. Her warmth, dedication, and faith-filled approach to teaching will bless our High School Students. Welcome aboard, Mrs. Clark—we can't wait to see what wonderful things you'll bring to our community!
Discover the New ICS Athletics Experience
Discover the New ICS Athletics Experience
Stay Connected, Stay Informed
At Intermountain Christian School, our commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom. We believe in nurturing not just academic growth but also the holistic development of our students through athletics. That's why we are excited to announce a new chapter in our sports program: the introduction of live streaming, highlights, and more—made possible by teaming up with Hudl.
What is Hudl?
Hudl isn't just a tool; it's a game-changer for our athletics community. We’re using new cameras and technology to bring you closer to the action, whether you're in the stands or cheering from home. With Hudl, you can access:
Schedules: Stay up-to-date with game times and locations effortlessly.
Scores: Instant updates on how our teams are performing throughout the season.
Live Streaming: Can't make it to the game? No problem. Watch live broadcasts right from your device.
Highlights: Relive the best moments with game highlights available on-demand.
Player Development: Coaches can use Hudl to analyze games and provide personalized feedback to players, enhancing skill development.
Changing the Game at ICS
This partnership with Hudl marks a significant step forward in how we engage with athletics at ICS. Here's how it enhances your experience:
1. Accessibility
Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, or fan, Hudl ensures you stay connected to ICS athletics like never before. No more missing games due to conflicting schedules or distance—Hudl brings the excitement to you.
2. Real-Time Updates
Say goodbye to waiting for scores or game summaries. With Hudl, you'll get real-time updates, ensuring you're always in the know about our teams' performances and achievements.
3. Immersive Experience
From live-streaming games to watching highlights, Hudl offers an immersive experience that captures the essence of ICS athletics. It's more than just scores; it's about sharing the moments that define our teams' successes.
4. Support and Engagement
Whether you're supporting our Lions on campus or from across the globe, Hudl strengthens our community by bringing together students, families, and alumni in celebration of our shared love for our athletes.
Get Involved
We invite you to explore and embrace this new era of ICS sports. Follow our teams, watch games live, and celebrate victories together as a united community. Want to know more about how Hudl works or have questions about its implementation at ICS? Reach out to our Athletics Director, Randi Hillaker, who will be happy to assist you.
We’re Advancing the Mission
At ICS, athletics isn't just about winning games—it's about instilling values, fostering growth, and glorifying God through every competition. Now, we're enhancing our ability to support our student-athletes in their journey to excellence, both on and off the field.
Thank you for your continued support of ICS athletics. Together, let's make this season on Hudl one to remember!
Go Lions!
Read more about our Athletics Program
Follow our Athletics Social Media Accounts
Get to Know Matt Parker, Our ICS Interim Head of School
The oldest of four boys, he grew up in New Hampshire, where his parents made sacrifices to send him and his brothers to a Christian school. After graduating, he met his wife in college. He then moved to Indiana, where he served as the assistant pastor at a church for several years.
Get to Know Matt Parker, Our ICS Interim Head of School
We are excited to introduce Matt, the new Interim Head of School at Intermountain Christian School (ICS). A man of faith and wisdom, Matt brings a wealth of experience and a deep love for the ICS community to his new role.
Matt's journey to ICS is a testament to God's sovereign leadership in his life.
The oldest of four boys, he grew up in New Hampshire, where his parents made sacrifices to send him and his brothers to a Christian school. After graduating, he met his wife in college. He then moved to Indiana, where he served as the assistant pastor at a church for several years.
In 2011, Matt moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and served in a local church while also working in the community in operations and finance roles. A few years later, he and his family moved to Utah, where he became part of a team that revitalized a small church in the Riverton area.
It was during this time that Matt first joined ICS as the business manager, and then later as a middle school Bible teacher. His connection to ICS, combined with his leadership skills and experience in operations and finance, make him an ideal fit for the role of Interim Head of School.
Matt is passionate about the ICS community. He perceives ICS as a hub for the Christian community, fostering and strengthening relationships. Moreover, he sees ICS as a haven, a safe space for Christians in Utah, and a place where students receive love and care from a dedicated team of staff and teachers.
In his first few weeks as Interim Head of School, Matt has been focusing on listening and learning. He has been meeting with staff, teachers, and the board to understand their perspectives and ideas for the future. He hopes to continue this open dialogue as he leads the school forward.
As we welcome Matt to his new role, he has asked for the community's prayers. Specifically, he asks that we pray for the right families and students to come to the school, for the ICS team to be strengthened, and for him to be granted wisdom to lead the school effectively.
We are excited about the future of ICS under Matt's leadership and are grateful to have him guide us during this pivotal time for our school. Please join us in extending a heartfelt welcome to Matt!
Tune in to the following video to hear an interview with Matt Parker and Denise Buckley firsthand.
Community, Small Classrooms, and eye-opening experiences – An Alumni's Reflections
Lucy’s class graduated 26 students. She believes being part of such a small class led to the opportunity to be poured into by all of her teachers. Making the jump from ICS to a large state university was not without its challenges. Lucy looks back on the small classrooms and appreciates the one on one attention and conversations that she had with her teachers and other students.
Alumni Interview: Lucy Cole
Lucy Cole is an ICS “lifer” and attended ICS for 14 years, graduating in 2022. She currently attends the University of Utah and lives off campus. She is majoring in marketing with a minor in parks, recreation and tourism.
When she looks at her ICS tenure, she credits her experience in athletics for helping her decide on a major. A visiting professor came to one of her classes and discussed sports marketing, and Lucy was intrigued. She has since been doing an athletic internship with the U’s athletic department and is enjoying it.
Lucy is grateful for all the travel opportunities she had while an ICS student. She recently wrote a college essay about her experiences on the music tour and how much she learned during that time away. The field studies trips fueled Lucy’s desire to travel and see more of the world. By the time she graduated from ICS, she was ready to intentionally seek out more of those opportunities. Lucy will be studying abroad in South Korea this fall!
Lucy’s class graduated 26 students. She believes being part of such a small class led to the opportunity to be poured into by all of her teachers. Making the jump from ICS to a large state university was not without its challenges. Lucy looks back on the small classrooms and appreciates the one on one attention and conversations that she had with her teachers and other students.
Lucy encourages ICS high school students not to waste the opportunities to seek community and plug in. It’s easy to think of the four years of high school as being very temporary, but looking back, Lucy values the tightness she had with her classmates. She is still in contact with some of her ICS classmates and regularly serves with some through Young Life.
Lucy thinks after graduating from the University of Utah, she may pursue life in another state. She spent the summer of 2023 at Crater Lake National Park working in the gift shop there. She may revisit Oregon or pursue life in the Carolinas. Wherever Lucy pursues the next steps, she will fondly remember the time spent in the hallways at ICS.
May 2024 Students of the Month
Congratulations to ICS’s May 2024 Students of the Month!
ICS May 2024 Students of the Month
Celebrate these students with us!
Congratulations to Grace, the May ICS Elementary Student of the Month!
Congratulations to Grace, from 5th grade, who is the May ICS Elementary Student of the Month! Grace is not only an exceptional student, but she is also a fantastic member of the Elementary School Leadership Team (ESLT). Whenever the ESLT has a project to complete, she contributes her ideas and helpful suggestions. She exemplifies a servant worker, always asking how she can help. We are so grateful to have Grace in the 5th grade and as a member of the ESLT!
Congratulations to Phoebe, the May ICS Middle School Student of the Month!
Congratulations to Phoebe, a delightful student in our Middle School who brings laughter and joy to her classmates. She serves her peers well and faces challenges with a compassionate nature and a gentle demeanor. Her resilience, commendable habits, and discipline while balancing the demands of Middle School academics have impressed her teachers. We are proud of Phoebe, our May Middle School Student of the Month!
Congratulations to Kendrick, the May ICS High School Student of the Month!
Congratulations to Sophomore Kendrick, our High School Student of the Month! Even at this stage of the school year, she continues to demonstrate great diligence. Along with her strong work ethic, she maintains a positive attitude in the classroom. In addition to her academic performance, Kendrick plays a significant role on the women's football team, contributing significantly to their successful season.
April 2024 Students of the Month
Congratulations to ICS’s April 2024 Students of the Month!
ICS April 2024 Students of the Month
Celebrate these students with us!
Congratulations to Bodie, the April ICS Elementary Student of the Month!
April's Elementary Student of the Month, Bodie (Pre-K), is a sweet kid with an amazing love for God. He enjoys learning about every aspect of God’s creation, especially the animal kingdom, and sharing that joy and excitement with his classmates and teachers. Bodie’s kind heart shines through in his interactions with the other students, and he is a joy to have in the classroom.
Congratulations to Bella, the April ICS Middle School Student of the Month!
Bella is an engaging and kind student who excels academically and creatively. Her recent theater performance was outstanding, resulting in a nomination for Outstanding Cameo as the Nightingale in Once Upon a Mattress. Her infectious laughter brings a friendly atmosphere to the classroom. Bella's positive demeanor and natural curiosity inspire her classmates.
Congratulations to Elora, the April ICS High School Student of the Month!
Elora, a senior, is in her first year at ICS. She exhibits kindness towards everyone—classmates, underclassmen, faculty, and staff. Elora is a thoughtful listener. Her authenticity and compassion for others reflect her profound love for Jesus. We are grateful that God led Elora to ICS!
April 2024 Employee Spotlight - Mr. Salankat!
Congratulations, Mr. Salankat, the ICS April 2024 Employee Spotlight!
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!
Congratulations, Mrs. Parker, the ICS March 2024 Employee Spotlight!
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.
March 2024 Students of the Month
Congratulations to ICS’s March 2024 Students of the Month!
ICS March 2024 Students of the Month
Celebrate these students with us!
Congratulations to Eliza, the March ICS Elementary Student of the Month!
Eliza is recognized as the student of the month for being a kind and compassionate student who shows Jesus' love to those around her daily. She is a hard worker who continually tries her best and always faces challenges with a positive attitude. She goes out of her way to help her classmates and her teacher without being asked and does so selflessly. She is a friend to everyone and always acts in love. I am very proud of the student and the girl of God she is becoming!
Congratulations to Reed, the March ICS Middle School Student of the Month!
Reed is a hardworking, kind-hearted student who respects his teachers and peers. He has excellent leadership qualities, is always willing to help, and is friendly to everyone. Reed took a risk and participated in the middle school theater Christmas play, learning new skills and putting on a great performance.
Congratulations to Rebecca, the March ICS High School Student of the Month!
Rebecca is a senior who works hard in class and on the basketball court. She is also very kind to everyone around her and has become a leader and friend to underclassmen. Rebecca has been a mentor to her fellow athletes for every sport she has played, which has been one sport in each season for four years! We appreciate Rebecca's dedication and perseverance!
A Simple Practice Fueling Our Unending Pursuit of Academic Excellence
Every Friday, our teachers dismiss students early so they work on their craft.
At ICS, we take our mission seriously and boast of being a Christ-centered learning community that equips and inspires students to thrive in God’s world. As educators, we know we, too, are lifelong students who must continually seek to learn and grow. With this mindset, we enter our professional development times on Friday afternoons.
What Happens on “Early Out Fridays” anyway?
Once Carline is over and the upper school students have wrapped up chapel time, our teachers gather to learn. With laughter and a few snacks, we assemble to equip and inspire each other intentionally so our teachers can thrive in their educational vocation.
Our professional development time often begins with an Opening Circle, a teaching protocol designed to help build connection and community. We share encouragements, struggles, surprises, and successes with each other. In doing so, we connect as professionals in our shared devotion to teaching.
The rest of the hour is spent in a variety of educational activities. We might explore the concepts of Teaching for Transformation (TfT) a bit deeper: discussing FLEx, Throughlines, and Deep Hope. We may take an online instructional course, like CPR or suicide prevention. We may tackle writing student surveys. The best is when we learn from the experts: each other! We visit colleagues’ classrooms; we collaborate on projects, brainstorm ideas, and improve our craft. We feed our growth mindset.
Recent Topics For our Teacher Professional Development:
CPR Training
Suicide Prevention Training
Mentorship Time
Teacher Evaluation Practices
Student Surveys
TfT: FLEx
TfT: Throughlines
TfT: Instruction for New Teachers
Protocols: Gallery Walks, Reflection, Tuning Protocols, etc.
Curriculum Work
How Not to Lose Your Mind with your “Challenging” Class
Transforming the Classroom Through Multimodal Teaching
Teaching and Work-Life Balance
Asking Beautiful Questions
We want to thank you for supporting our professional growth! When you pick your kids up early on Friday afternoon, you help us develop and hone our skills. We are deeply committed to our calling and desire to become the best educators we can be for your children. Our time on Fridays is one way we are equipped to do so!
Kadance’s Artistic Odyssey — ICS Senior Arts Student Highlight
The art department at ICS exists to encourage students wherever they are in their capacity and skill to express their God-given creativity…
Kadance’s Artistic Odyssey — ICS Senior Arts Student Highlight
Senior Kadance Eagle has been attending Intermountain Christian School since her freshman year of high school. She has been interested in art for most of her life, going back to elementary school. Kadance enjoys using various mediums, but her favorites are acrylic painting and digital art. While creating using these mediums, she finds that mistakes are easier to fix.
Pictured: Kadance and Mrs. Lee
Kadance has taken every art class available to her since she started attending ICS. While in Mrs. Lee’s art room, Kadance has been challenged to do projects she wouldn’t consider on her own. The assignments have pushed her out of her comfort zone. She and a classmate worked together to create a cardboard animal head mount. She never would’ve taken on that challenge outside of Mrs. Lee’s prompting. Once completed, she took pride in her cardboard sheep!
Painting titled: Icy Ridges
Kadance’s favorite year of art was her junior year. All of the projects were her choice, and she was able to be creative and unrestrained. Her favorite project was the completion of her dragon sculpture, which used multiple mediums, including clay, fabric, and paint. The other project she was most proud of was a digital piece with a setting in Southern Utah and the inclusion of griffins. It was an effort to get the piece printed out and stretched onto canvas, but the final outcome was very satisfying!
Painting titles: Borzoi
The art department at ICS exists to encourage students wherever they are in their capacity and skill to express their God-given creativity. Kadance has goals of working in animation and hopes to attend the University of Utah, majoring in general arts and minoring in film studies with an emphasis in animation. Kadance credits Mrs. Lee with encouraging her through ups and downs in her pursuit of art.
Many students who have gone through Mrs. Lee’s art program came out not only with more skill and understanding, but an appreciation of who God made them to be and how to give Him glory through art. The ICS community looks forward to seeing what’s next for Kadance!