Thank You for Your Faithful Service!

Their faithful service has shaped students, strengthened our community, and reflected Christ’s love in meaningful ways. As they look back on their time here, we are grateful for the joy, care, creativity, wisdom, and friendship they have shared with our school.

For Mr. and Ms. Ron and Bonny Thiesen, what started out as a quick Visa run quickly turned into over twenty years of faithful service at ICSB. They have faithfully served the ICSB community as parents, teachers, mentors, coaches, and senior sponsors. Mr. Thiesen started teaching here in 2012,  while Ms. Thiesen joined the staff in 2015–16. Their four children all attended and graduated from ICSB as well. He taught Life Science, Biology, Anatomy, BioChem, and Christian Studies, while also coaching basketball and track. She taught Global Awareness, Communications, and Bible electives.

For the last several years, they also helped guide seniors, including the Class of 2026, through retreats, workshops preparing them for life after graduation, and senior trips. Ms. Thiesen brought her experience as a missionary kid, and both of them brought their previous experiences on the mission field to serving ICSB students and families and meeting them where they are. With 35 years of ministry across nations, including time in India, the Thiesens have lived out their calling. We are so grateful for their commitment to that calling in our community, for their loving presence, and for their faithful service over the years.

The mission of our life is discipling and teaching young people and releasing them into the spheres of society and into what God has called them to be. We’ve loved the community here, loved that we could serve as a family, loved that our kids were a part of this community, and were passionate about what we got to teach."

Mr. Ron Thiesen

We are grateful and humbled by the administration, families and the Lord's trust that would allow us to be a part of so many students lives. It has been a privilege. We will miss everyone

Ms. Bonny Thiesen

Ms. Jessica Jenkins has devotedly served our community for seven years as a Middle Grades English Teacher, ELL Coordinator, House Program Founder and Sponsor, and as a Girls JV Volleyball and Varsity Basketball coach.

I have taught and coached so many wonderful students over the years, and they are really the highlight of my time here.

Ms. Jessica Jenkins

 

Ms. Rachel Stowell served our community for eight years, teaching Middle Grades ELL and Bible, seventh-grade Ed Tech, Upper School English, History, Christian Studies, AP Literature, and AP Psychology, and serving as Academic Field Trip Leader, Volleyball Stats & Upper School Musical Costume Designer, and Student Council Advisor. 

I have loved being part of a community that so clearly loves the Lord and loves each other.

Ms. Rachel Stowell

 

Ms. Anna Kovács has been a part of the community for 20 years as a parent and Head of Kitchen Staff. 

[I love] the elementary kids' honest words.

Ms. Anna Kovács

Ms. Angelina Toncheva has been a part of the community for 15 years as a parent, Library Assistant, and P.E. Teacher.

I loved teaching PE and loved the kids - especially the little ones. It was a big joy to hear them when they learned a new skill, "Look, Mrs. T, I can do it!" We had so much fun! It was a huge blessing to serve at ICSB with all of you! ICSB will always have a special place in my heart.

Ms. Angelina Toncheva

 

School Counselor, Mr. Eric Frey, has served our community for five years with a heart for students and a desire to see them grow. His time at ICSB has been marked by care, encouragement, and a meaningful investment in young people’s lives.

Getting to speak into the lives of students and then to see them grow and develop into happy and healthy young people has been a great joy.

Mr. Eric Frey

We are also saying goodbye to several staff members who served with us for one year. Even in one year, Early Grades teacher and Chaplain Team member, Ms. Évi Dobner, ELL Teacher, Ms. Faith Birnstein, First Grade Teacher, Ms. Anna Marie Ward, IT Department and Maintenance crew member Mr. Seth Gallagher, English and EFL Teacher, The Bridge and Swing Dance Club Sponsor and Upper School Musical choreographer, Ms. Joanna Gallagher, and Middle Grades History Teacher and Winter Classic Sports Commentator, Mr. Henry Dykes have made a lasting impact on our community and will be missed. 

 

 

We would also like to honor those who have already said goodbye: longtime kitchen crew member Ms. Agnes Dóczi and beloved Security Guard Mr. Gyula Deregi.

Finally, ICSB Director, Dr. Kristi Hiltibran, has been an integral part of our community as a parent, board member, 1st Grade Teacher, Elementary Principal, Director of Teaching & Learning, and, for the past 8 years, School Director. As she moves into her next chapter, to mark this significant leadership transition, on Wednesday at the staff farewell lunch, she passed an actual baton to the incoming ICSB Director, Mr. David Kelley.  Read more on Dr. Hiltibran's ICSB journey and legacy here. 

I believe that [ICSB] is a place of real community where belonging and wellness are widely experienced. I believe it is a place of integrity and always a place of growth, as schools should be. But not just academic growth, the other kinds of growth that is so important to us. So I leave with lots of memories and deep gratitude. And though I may have helped shape the school, the truth is ICSB has also shaped me.

Dr. Kristi Hiltibran

 

Whether you served with us for one year or twenty, we are grateful for the role you played in our community. You will be dearly missed!