ALA POSTS 2025 2026

We are looking for a bus driver who can drive the East Valley morning route. Pick up vehicle at school; route begins at Pilgrim in Mesa at 6:45am and stops at Emmanuel in Tempe on the way to Arizona Lutheran. Wednesdays and Thursdays only. No special license required. Please inquire at Rosenbaum@ALAcoyotes.org

Applications with STOs (School Tuition Organizations) will be available soon for the 2026-27 school year. Update your student and family narratives so you’re set to go. Applications are available: IBE - February 1 ACSTO - February 3 AZ Lutheran Assistance - late February School Choice Arizona - March 15 Arizona Leadership Foundation - April 15

Look for a Coyote float at the Laveen parade on Saturday, Jan. 31, and send photos to Photos@ALAcoyotes.org!

  The yearbook staff is requesting two things from each senior: Senior portrait Baby photo Attach both photos to one email and send to  Photos@ALAcoyotes.org  (yearbook acct)  by March 1, 2026 . Senior photo details: This photo should be a high quality, recent photo (a portrait or a favorite photo from this school year). Do not screenshot a photo from your phone. Ask the photographer and download the original, high quality JPG. This photo will be used in the yearbook and an online Senior Spotlight. Please share a photo in which your clothing follows the dress code. The baby photo: age newborn - 4 years original digital image, preferred, or a scanned copy of a print Ideas for Senior photos: Ask a friend or parent to take a photo (use a high quality cell phone camera in portrait mode, go outside). Ask a Digital Media student to take a photo for you. Schedule an appt. with a photographer on Presidents' Day or on a weekend. Questions?  Contact Jenni Petersen (P...

Please use  this  link to place your cap and gown bundle. You may also order custom products on the same link.  A few important things to note:  Please select the right size gown based on your height (plus sizes are available). Cap and gown bundles will be shipped to the school, and we will distribute them in early April during the class photo. You must order by tomorrow,  January 31  to receive free shipping (to the school); if you miss the deadline, there will be a fee to expedite shipping.  Any questions, please contact  Mrs. McKenney

We still need donations of pastries (muffins or donuts) for Grandparents Day. We also still need help with setup and food service. If you are able to help, please sign up HERE .  

Reminder: all juniors will take the ACT at school on Thursday, April 2. Students can prepare for the test here with practice questions and tests. No registration is required to take this test, as it is handled by the school.   If a student wishes to take the SAT, they must register and pay the fee independently for an off-site test on a Saturday. More information including upcoming dates (March, April and May) can be found here . Dates are limited; you must plan ahead.

To help with planning for the 2026-2027 school year, please watch for Re-Enrollment to begin. Your plans for the next school year affect our teaching staff assignments and the Course Selection process.  The Re-Enrollment Form link will be shared via email starting February 6.

Our Mission Advancement Dept. has organized several free workshops to help you plan for your family's future. 1️⃣ FOUNDATIONS OF INVESTING by Stacia Weinstein, former teacher, AZ Lutheran parent, supporter, and Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. Thursday, Feb. 19 | at Arizona Lutheran | 5-6pm. >> Read more & RSVP. 2️⃣ ESTATE PLANNING SEMINARS by Reliant Law Group, owned and operated by AZ Lutheran alumni. Choose from two dates: Wednesday, Feb. 11 | at Emmanuel Lutheran in Tempe | 9:30am Thursday, March 5 | at AZ Lutheran | 6pm >> Learn more & RSVP.

We are seeking volunteers for the Gala with specific gifts. Read on to see if God has given you any of these talents! Are you a baker? We are planning a dessert dash game and seeking 22 bakers to donate a dessert that serves 10. (That's a LOT of desserts, so yes, we need you!) Or do you have a friend who's a baker? Ask if they'd donate a dessert! The ideal dessert would be served on a platter (returned to you) and elegant enough to be eaten with a fork. We have limited refrigeration space, so ideally it would be delivered to AZ Lutheran on the day of the Gala, Saturday, March 28. Are you a crafter or builder? We are seeking someone who could create something like this out of cardboard.  (We can design and print the exterior labeling, but need help with the cardboard base.) Do you have catering or food-service experience? We are seeking a Gala food-service lead to work with our caterer and with 5 adults and up to 30 students. You would organize the team to serve the Gala buf...

Today is the last day to RSVP for Grandparents Day. Grandparents Day is on  Wednesday, February 4, 2026.   Please help us plan well by RSVPing by the deadline.  ONLINE INVITATION AND RSVP The day begins at 9:00am with coffee and pastries for the grandparents. Then the students are joined by their grandparents for chapel and a few classes. The morning concludes with a short program and lunch provided for the grandparents. Students will need to bring their lunches as usual, but are invited to enjoy them with their grandparents. The grandparents will depart at about 12:45pm, after lunch. We are still also looking for volunteers to help with setup and food service for that day. Please  sign up using  this link . We would appreciate any help! 

Did you know that we are part of one of the largest private school systems in the U.S.?   But it’s the small , personal moments that define us: a student’s t-shirt declaring they are a "Child of God," the harmony of voices in worship, and the beautiful transition of "opposing" players becoming high school teammates. From Pre-K to 12th grade, we are blessed to walk this path together. We invite you to watch and share this video to celebrate the impact of Lutheran education in Arizona!   Watch to the end to hear voices from several of our Lutheran Elementary Schools lifting in praise!

A Winter Spring shop is now open. Order now online by 2/6/2026  using  THIS   link.  Customized in 1-2 business days and shipped to you. Shipping starts at $9.95.

Tonight’s (1/27) varsity basketball game against American Leadership Academy has been rescheduled due to a shortage of players on the opposing team. The game will now be played on January 31 at 3:00 p.m. at AZ Lutheran. The final two games of the JV soccer season have also been cancelled.

 Martha Bernabe has accepted our part-time call to teach upper-level Spanish. 

The next event will be on Thursday, January 29, from 3:15-5:15. It will feature learning how to do some roof repair after some wind damage. Sign up  here  by January 27.

Darin Lorzel is one of numerous alumni who’ve stepped up to coach here at AZ Lutheran. Read more about his experience as a student and his goals as a coach in his interview with freshman, Nora Yerges.  INTERVIEW WITH COACH LORZEL: Coming Back to AZ Lutheran as a Coach

We are still seeking volunteers to sell tickets at the home basketball games on January 29 and February 4. If you’re available, please consider signing up for one of these dates. Sign up today!

The deadline to RSVP for Arizona Lutheran's Grandparents Day is coming up this Wednesday, January 28. Grandparents Day is on  Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Please share this link with the grandparents, even if they are far away. (There is an option to leave a message!) Either you or the grandparents should RSVP using this form by  Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Please help us plan well by RSVPing by the deadline.  ONLINE INVITATION AND RSVP Printed invitations are available in the office this week. We are still also looking for volunteers to help with setup and food service for that day. Please  sign up using  this link . We would appreciate any help! 

Winter Spirit Week — a fun week of homerooms competing in games and dress up days —will occur between  February 2-6, 2025 .  Our theme will be  “Candyland.” Dress Up Days Monday: Dress up - “Cozy Candy”   Pajama Day Tuesday: Dress up - “Nerds vs Protein Bar” Dress us as a nerd or a jock Wednesday: Dress up - “Cupid Candy Day” Valentine Dress up Day, dress is red. Thursday: Dress up - “Candy Spirit Explosion”  School Spirit Day - dress in your favorite Coyote Gear or school colors. go all out!  Friday: Dress up - “Candy Castle Clash” - Homeroom Theme Day Dress in your homeroom theme CANDYLAND DANCE: The week concludes with the Sadies dance on  Friday, February 6, from 7-10 pm .  Girls are encouraged to ask guys to attend together, but dates are NOT necessary! Tickets will be $10 at the door on Friday. Cash or card is accepted. Dance dress code: Formal -  see page 22 of Student Handbook   Dance Tip from the Senior girls:  bring...

🎓 Celebrate Your Student in the Yearbook! 🎉 Yearbook Recognition Ads are a special way to honor achievements, milestones, and memories that last a lifetime. Why purchase a Recognition Ad? Celebrate your student’s journey Create a lasting keepsake Support the creation of an even better yearbook How to order: All ads are purchased online through Jostens, who manages our yearbook ad sales. Please do not send materials to the school. Be sure to review  our school’s ad content guidelines  when creating your ad. Deadline: January 31, 2026 Don’t miss the chance to recognize your student in this year’s yearbook!

The next event will be on Thursday, January 29, from 3:15-5:15. It will feature learning how to do some roof repair after some wind damage. Sign up  here  by January 27.

We’re heading into the final stretch of our home basketball games and could use your help!  Please consider signing up to sell tickets at one of these games: January 29, January 30, or February 4 (Senior Night). Having volunteers at the ticket table helps offset the cost of officials, tournament fees, and other important expenses. Sign up today!

Do you have a pickup truck with a hitch?  Our AZ Lutheran float will be secured on a trailer and ready to be part of the Laveen parade. If you have a truck with a hitch and can help by pulling our float in the parade, contact Michelle Meyer. Admissions@ALAcoyotes.org 602-268-8686 x140

THE DEADLINE TO ORDER CAPS AND GOWNS IS APPROACHING -Please use this link to place your cap and gown bundle. You may also order custom products on the same link.  A few important things to note:  Please select the right size gown based on your height (plus sizes are available). Cap and gown bundles will be shipped to the school, and we will distribute them in early April during the class photo. You must order by the deadline of January 31 to receive free shipping (to the school); if you miss the deadline, there will be a fee to expedite shipping.  Any questions, please contact Mrs. McKenney

The deadline to RSVP for Arizona Lutheran's Grandparents Day is coming up next Wednesday, January 28. Grandparents Day is on  Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Please share this link with the grandparents, even if they are far away. (There is an option to leave a message!) Either you or the grandparents should RSVP using this form by  Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Please help us plan well by RSVPing by the deadline.  ONLINE INVITATION AND RSVP Printed invitations are available in the office this week. If you want to help by bringing items or setting up, please  sign up using  this link . We would appreciate any help or donations! 

Congratulations to Jacob Wiechmann and Gabrielle Pearson! They were named speakers for the Class of 2026's graduation in May.

The next event will be on Thursday, January 29, from 3:15-5:15. It will feature learning how to do some roof repair after some wind damage. Sign up here by January 27.

On January 12, the Arizona Lutheran Board of Directors extended a part-time call to Martha Bernabe to teach upper-level Spanish. Martha is married to Pastor Cossio at Santo Tomas.  Please keep her in your prayers as she considers our call. 

Would you consider a gift of $15 - $100 for the Gala? EVERY gift will raise funds for our campus improvements AND counts towards the Gala Homeroom Competition. How to get involved: Create a basket. View idea list > Shop our Amazon wish list. Or give a gift of money towards a travel package.  These "baskets" and the trip will be offered as part of the auction, which will raise funds for our campus improvements. Thank you, in advance, for your generosity!  

Benjy Wells has received a call to teach English and coach at Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. You may contact him at Wells@ALAcoyotes.org

Arizona Lutheran Academy invites grandparents of AZ Lutheran students to our annual Grandparents Day on  Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The day begins at 9:00 a.m. with coffee and pastries for the grandparents. Then, the students are joined by their grandparents for chapel and a few classes. The morning concludes with a short program and lunch provided for the grandparents. Students must bring their lunches like usual, but they are invited to enjoy their lunch with their grandparents. The grandparents will depart at about 12:45 p.m. after lunch. Please share this link with the grandparents, even if they are far away. (There is an option to leave a message!) Either you or the grandparents should RSVP using this form by  Wednesday, January 28, 2026. ONLINE INVITATION AND RSVP There will be printed invitations available in the office this week. If you want to help, bring items, or set up, please  sign up using  this link . We would appreciate any help or donations! 

The Raise Right Program offers gift cards for purchase. The purchase of these store gift cards raises funds for students’ tuition accounts at our Arizona WELS schools, for the AZ Lutheran tuition assistance fund, and for our congregations & schools. In 2025: 70 families purchased gift cards almost $172,000 in sales $7200 in rebates came back to families Learn more about purchasing gift cards at ALAcoyotes.org/giftcards .

🎓 Celebrate Your Student in the Yearbook! 🎉 Yearbook Recognition Ads are a special way to honor achievements, milestones, and memories that last a lifetime. Why purchase a Recognition Ad? Celebrate your student’s journey Create a lasting keepsake Support the creation of an even better yearbook How to order: All ads are purchased online through Jostens, who manages our yearbook ad sales. Please do not send materials to the school. Be sure to review  our school’s ad content guidelines  when creating your ad. Deadline: January 31, 2026 Don’t miss the chance to recognize your student in this year’s yearbook!

The AZ Lutheran Mission Club is hosting another pizza lunch to raise money to help cover the costs of upcoming summer mission trips. The next pizza lunch will be on Friday, January 16. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to sign up before THIS Thursday, January 15, at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice.

The first event of the second semester will be Thursday, January 15, 3:15-5:15. It will include a visit to a local construction site to observe what’s happening and to interact with the construction manager. As time permits, continued work on projects already underway will be done. Register  here . Future dates already planned include the following: After school, 3:15-5:15 January 29 February 12 February 26 March 12 We are also planning Saturday, February 21, 9:00-noon, as “automotive day.” Changing tires, changing oil, and other maintenance tasks are being organized. Watch for more information.

Would you consider a gift of $15 - $100 for the 2026 auction? Shop on Amazon, build a basket, or give a gift of cash. Create a basket on your own:  Idea List  > Donate something from our  Amazon Wishlist  > Give a cash gift online  (to help purchase a travel package that we'll offer in the live auction). > EVERY gift counts towards the Gala Homeroom Competition. These "baskets" and the trip will be offered as part of the auction, which will raise funds for campus improvements. Thank you, in advance, for your generosity!

🎓 Celebrate Your Student in the Yearbook! 🎉 Yearbook Recognition Ads are a special way to honor achievements, milestones, and memories that last a lifetime. Why purchase a Recognition Ad? Celebrate your student’s journey Create a lasting keepsake Support the creation of an even better yearbook How to order: All ads are purchased online through Jostens, who manages our yearbook ad sales. Please do not send materials to the school. Be sure to review our school’s ad content guidelines when creating your ad. Deadline: January 31, 2026 Don’t miss the chance to recognize your student in this year’s yearbook!

The AZ Lutheran Mission Club is hosting another pizza lunch to raise money to help cover the costs of upcoming summer mission trips. The next pizza lunch will be on Friday, January 16. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to  sign up  before next Thursday, January 15, at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice.

Coyote wrestlers are on the road to Joseph City! 🗓 Jan 9-10 📸 Send your action and podium photos to Photos@ALAcoyotes.org.

The first event of the second semester will be Thursday, January 15, 3:15-5:15. It will include a visit to a local construction site to observe what’s happening and to interact with the construction manager. As time permits, continued work on projects already underway will be done. Register  here . Future dates already planned include the following: After school, 3:15-5:15 January 29 February 12 February 26 March 12 We are also planning Saturday, February 21, 9:00-noon, as “automotive day.” Changing tires, changing oil, and other maintenance tasks are being organized. Watch for more information.

It's not often that you can catch both soccer & basketball at home on the same night. Come cheer for your 'Yotes on Friday! 👏 Black & Gold Night 🗓️ Friday, Jan 9, 2026 🏀 3:00pm JV Girls Basketball vs Madison Highland Prep ⚽️ 4:00pm JV Soccer vs St. John Paul II 🏀 Basketball vs Phoenix Country Day (JV Boys 4:30 | Vars Girls 6:00 | Vars Boys 7:30) Parents: show your athletic pass for free admission

Our Mission Advancement Dept. has organized several free workshops to help you plan for your family's future. Foundations of Investing   by Stacia Weinstein, former teacher, AZ Lutheran parent, supporter, and Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Thursday, Feb. 19 | at Arizona Lutheran |  5-6pm Estate Planning Seminars by Reliant Law Group, owned and operated by AZ Lutheran alumni Wednesday, Feb. 11 | at Emmanuel Lutheran in Tempe | 9:30am Thursday, March 5 | at Arizona Lutheran | 6pm Learn more & RSVP here

The yearbook staff is requesting two things from each senior: Senior portrait Baby photo Attach both photos to one email and send to  Photos@ALAcoyotes.org  (yearbook acct)  by March 1, 2026 . Senior photo details: This photo should be a high quality, recent photo (a portrait or a favorite photo from this school year). Do not screenshot a photo from your phone. Ask the photographer and download the original, high quality JPG. This photo will be used in the yearbook and an online Senior Spotlight. Please share a photo in which your clothing follows the dress code. The baby photo: age newborn - 4 years original digital image, preferred, or a scanned copy of a print Ideas for Senior photos: Ask a friend or parent to take a photo (use a high quality cell phone camera in portrait mode, go outside). Ask a Digital Media student to take a photo for you. Schedule an appt. with a photographer on MLK Day, Presidents' Day, or on a weekend. Questions? Contact Jenni Petersen (Pet...

Aubrey Hartzell is one of numerous alumni who’ve stepped up to coach here at AZ Lutheran. Read about her path from student to coach in this article on AZ Preps 365.

The first event of the second semester will be Thursday, January 15, 3:15-5:15. It will include a visit to a local construction site to observe what’s happening and to interact with the construction manager. As time permits, continued work on projects already underway will be done. Register here . Future dates already planned include the following: After school, 3:15-5:15 January 29 February 12 February 26 March 12 We are also planning Saturday, February 21, 9:00-noon, as “automotive day.” Changing tires, changing oil, and other maintenance tasks are being organized. Watch for more information.

We offer hot lunch delivery three days each week. For 2nd semester, there is one change in our weekly line-up: Tuesday (Chick-fil-A) Wednesday (Panda Express) Thursday ( New! Cane's) Set up an account and order.

🏀 Home Girls Basketball vs Miami 🗓 Wed., Jan. 7 ⏰ Please note: JV cancelled | Vars 6:00 (the date was misprinted in Tuesday's email)

We are looking for a bus driver who can drive the East Valley morning route. Pick up vehicle at school; route begins at Pilgrim in Mesa at 6:45am and stops at Emmanuel in Tempe on the way to Arizona Lutheran. Wednesdays and Thursdays only. No special license required. Please inquire at Rosenbaum@ALAcoyotes.org

Did you capture a great action shot or a post-game team photo? How about a big win or medal ceremony at a wrestling meet? Our school photographers only make it to a handful of competitions, so we'd love to see and share your photos.   Send photos to photos@ALAcoyotes.org.

MAP Growth testing - Wednesday and Thursday, we will have a block schedule, and grades 9-11 will be participating in MAP testing. Students should ensure they know where they are supposed to be by checking the room changes schedule posted on the bulletin board.  Please make every effort to ensure your student is at school and on time for the next two days. MAP testing is an important baseline; every student in grades 9-11 needs to take it.

2nd semester attendance tips: Tip #1: Parents, contact school (602-268-8686 Ext. 110 or Solofra@ALAcoyotes.org) before 9:00 a.m. on the day of an absence to notify Mrs. Solofra. 💡 Pro tip: No call or email is too early! Send a message as soon as you know your child will be absent. Tip #2: Schedule medical and dental appointments on breaks (e.g., no school on Jan. 19 for MLK Day). But if it's unavoidable, look at your child's schedule before making appointments. View the daily schedules at ALAcoyotes.org/resources. Tip #3:  Avoid scheduling repeat appointments at the same time of day (e.g., weekly physical therapy appts). Doing so can cause a student to miss the same class repeatedly, which may result in excessive absences and potential loss of credit. Tip #4: If your child stays home due to illness, HE/SHE should email teachers ASAP to inform them of the absence and ask for direction regarding missed information and homework make plans with the teacher to complete a missed t...

PLEASE NOTE THESE REVISIONS for Wed., Jan 7: Home Girls BKB vs Miami (JV cancelled | Vars 6:00) What changed? Miami canceled the JV game due to a lack of players, and the Varsity game is now earlier than originally scheduled.

Welcome to 2nd semester! Get to know the ALA website. Visit (and bookmark) ALAcoyotes.org/resources to find: Athletic Registration Volunteering opportunities Coyote gear School Supply List Hot Lunch Daily Schedules Handbooks Bus schedule Find (and bookmark) the calendar at ALAcoyotes.org/calendar

Early Monday morning, the class of 2026 gathered for Senior Sunrise. Parents planned, cooked, served, and led a short devotion. We greatly appreciate the parents willingness to lead this event --  a fantastic way for our Seniors to create another memory together! New tradition? We hope so! View photos.

We still have many volunteer slots to fill, and we’d love your help. Are you available to sell tickets at one of our home basketball games? Having volunteers at the ticket table plays a significant role in helping us cover the cost of officials, tournament fees, and other essential expenses. Sign up today

Arizona Lutheran Academy invites grandparents of AZ Lutheran students to our annual Grandparents Day on  Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The day begins at 9:00 a.m. with coffee and pastries for the grandparents. Then, the students are joined by their grandparents for chapel and a few classes. The morning concludes with a short program and lunch provided for the grandparents. Students must bring their lunches like usual, but they are invited to enjoy their lunch with their grandparents. The grandparents will depart at about 12:45 p.m. after lunch. Please share this link with the grandparents, even if they are far away. (There is an option to leave a message!) Either you or the grandparents should RSVP using this form by  Wednesday, January 28, 2026. ONLINE INVITATION AND RSVP There will be printed invitations available in the office this week. If you want to help, bring items, or set up, please  sign up using  this link . We would appreciate any help or donations! 

Starting this week, the provider for hot lunch on Thursdays will change from Rubio's to Canes. This choice was made by the third-party provider based on the previous provider's declining popularity. This change will remain in effect for the entire second semester, and we will reevaluate in the summer.  If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. McKenney . 

You are invited to participate in the 2026 Gala! Your child will likely want you to help with the Gala because he/she is motivated by the prizes, but your participation is so much more than that. You see, the goal for the Gala is to raise over $100,000 to support campus improvements. Our most recent Galas have raised funds for our classroom expansion, purchase new stage lights, gym bleachers, new chairs, and new lockers, renovate our locker rooms, purchase two Ford Transit vans, a new digital marquee, campus lighting, and our shade canopy. Your donation will make a visible difference on our campus, well into the future! STEP 1: Choose a way to get involved. A. Donate items for our auction.  Create a basket on your own: Idea List > Donate something from our Amazon Wishlist  > B. Join us as a Sponsor — or ask your employer to become a sponsor.*  Print sponsor info. You'd be surprised! Many employers will give towards a charity their employee supports! (This costs yo...

A message from a Senior Mom and the Senior Class Leadership: Senior Parents: I hope you all had a wonderful holiday break and were able to enjoy time with friends and family, celebrating the birth of our Savior! The Senior Class received approval to host a Senior Sunrise event on January 5 -- a morning together to watch the sunrise on their graduation year and all of the amazing things coming their way this year! This is an extremely popular event in many high schools across the country (take a look at Google for some of the awesome events high schools hold!), and we are excited that our 2026 Seniors have a chance to possibly start a new tradition at ALA. We will be hosting this on the football field with pajama dress optional. We are asking the students to bring blankets, pillows, etc. to watch the sunrise, and then having activities such as a class photo, lawn games, a coffee bar, and a photo backdrop. We will also be serving a full hot breakfast, pastries, drinks, and a coffee/hot c...

This is a reminder that classes resume on Monday, January 5, with a late start. Also, this week, Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors will take the MAP Growth test on January 7 and 8, and we will observe block schedule on those days. 

We're pleased to announce the arrival of a healthy baby boy born on Dec. 23 to teacher Josh Severeid and his wife, Rachel. We thank God for his safe arrival! Mom and baby are doing well and glad to be safe at home. We pray that God keeps him in his baptismal grace all the days of his life. Emmanuel Lutheran in Tempe has set up a Meal Train for the new parents. Volunteer here, if interested. The Lord has blessed us with Mrs. Lara Johnson to fill Mr. Severeid's music classroom during his family leave.