MISSION CLUB PIZZA NEXT FRIDAY

Mission Club is once again hosting pizza lunches to raise money to help cover the costs of upcoming summer mission trips. The first pizza lunch of the year will be on Friday, September 5. If you are interested in taking a day off from lunch prep, please sign up before next Thursday, September 4, at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice.

DON'T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR LUNCH

 

GALA TEAM WANTS YOU!

The Gala has been coined as "the event of the year." It's an evening fundraiser, auction, and dinner, with support from many, many people — set for Saturday, March 28, 2026.

At past Galas, we've raised funds for the Den, new vans, the marquee, locker rooms, bleachers, shade canopy, classroom lighting, our five-classroom expansion project, and more. It's an incredible blessing to our students! 

Have you ever attended? Got ideas to make the Gala even better? Are you creative? Do you love parties? Do you love planning parties? If you answered yes to any of these, you would be a fantastic asset to the 2026 Gala Planning Team. We're looking for at least 5 more people to join, and joining the team is a great way to get to know new people.

Insider tip: our theme has retro flair to it this year, but we're not revealing the title or logo... until our first meeting!

Our first official meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept 3 from 5:00- 6:00pm at Black Rock coffee in Laveen.

 

• We keep the meetings to one hour
• We meet once each month from Sept- March. (So that's only 7 meetings.)
• We also offer a virtual meeting option, so if you live out of town or can't get to ALA on a weeknight, you can still join the team.

Interested? Sign up here.

Questions? Contact Jen Bode at JBode@ALAcoyotes.org

Part of the 2025 Gala planning team — with Squid the burro at the 2025 Fiesta Gala!

5th QUARTER at the DAIRY

Hey Coyotes fans! The football game doesn’t end at the final whistle—because the whole Coyote crew is heading to 5th Quarter at Danzeisen Dairy! After Friday night’s game, make your way to their Laveen Creamery store on Southern Avenue for a post-game hangout you don’t want to miss.

ALA students, teachers, and staff—show your school ID or rock your Coyote gear and get 50% off your purchase! There’ll be games, music, and plenty of space to kick back with your friends and family. They’re even keeping the store open late just for us.

Let’s pack the place and keep the Coyote spirit alive—thanks to Danzeisen Dairy for making 5th Quarter the spot to be after the game!

In case you missed it, here's info re: Home Football.

FOOTBALL HOME OPENER

Join us for our Coyote football home opener on Friday, Aug. 29!

Grab a snack from the concession stand, cheer along with our cheer team, drink lots of water, wear black & gold, sit by someone you've never met, and join the fun of Friday night Coyote football!


> View season schedule

TICKET GATE:

• ALL guests enter to the right of the bleachers (north gate)
• Purchase single game admission (cash or credit card accepted)
• Purchase Athletic Annual Passes
• Or bring your Athletic Annual Pass

ADMISSION FOR FANS: (cash or credit card accepted)

• $5 … Adults
• $3 … age 60+
• $2 … Alumni
• $2 … Students (age 6 – grade 12)
• Free … age 5 and under
• Athletic Annual Pass … $100/family or $50/single (these are great for grandparents who love to attend games)

FREE ADMISSION FOR ATHLETIC ANNUAL PASSHOLDERS:

• All ALA students and their immediate household family receive free admission if they show their Athletic Annual Pass. This is a $100 pass. Please hang onto it!
• Families of ALA students received an Athletic Annual Pass, sent with your student or received at Orientation Day. Please ask your child/ren for this.
• Active or retired WELS pastors/teachers receive a FREE Athletic Pass and can pick one up at the main gate.

STREAMING: (Our Hudl technical problems are now resolved.)

NEW! Home games are streamed, free of charge, on our Hudl channel

💻 Search for “Arizona Lutheran” on Hudl.com (look for each sports’ tab)

💻 https://fan.hudl.com/usa/az/phoenix/organization/13023/arizona-lutheran-aca-high-school

Beware of any streaming site that asks for your credit card information. Always visit this parent blog or ALA’s social media pages for accurate streaming information.

Did you capture a great moment? Send photos to photos@ALAcoyotes.org.

5th QUARTER after FOOTBALL!

Hey Coyotes fans! The football game doesn’t end at the final whistle—because the whole Coyote crew is heading to 5th Quarter at Danzeisen Dairy! After Friday night’s game, make your way to their Laveen store on Southern Avenue for a post-game hangout you don’t want to miss.

ALA students, teachers, and staff—show your school ID or rock your Coyote gear and get 50% off your purchase! There’ll be games, music, and plenty of space to kick back with your friends and family. They’re even keeping the store open late just for us.

Let’s pack the place and keep the Coyote spirit alive—thanks to Danzeisen Dairy for making 5th Quarter the spot to be after the game!

COYOTE GEAR "SPRINT" SHOP

Have you explored the Fall "Sprint" Shop yet? Get your gear ordered by 9/10/25!

This shop offers limited edition Coyote gear for each fall sport. 

• Cheer
• Cross Country
• Flag Football
• Football
• Volleyball

Items ship 1-2 days after you order, directly to you. There is a minimum shipping fee of $9.95, plus tax.

Order online.

 

PIZZA FRIDAY

Mission Club is once again hosting pizza lunches to raise money to help cover the costs of upcoming summer mission trips. The first pizza lunch of the year will be on Friday, September 5. If you are interested in taking a day off from lunch prep, please sign up before next Thursday, September 4, at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice.

HOT LUNCH - HOW TO CREATE AN ACCOUNT

 

NEW FAMILY BBQ - RSVP today!

We welcome our new AZ Lutheran families! 

Check in with other new families at the New Family BBQ on Friday, August 29. Stop by the plaza (picnic table area) any time between 5:30-6:45 to grab a hot dog before the start of the Football home opener. (7pm kick off) 

RSVP here until August 27.

HOT LUNCH - HOW IT WORKS

 

TABOO PRESENTATION REMINDER

Rev. Dr. Mike Novotny--author, pastor, and speaker for Time of Grace--will come to the Arizona Lutheran gymnasium on Monday, September 8, 7:00-8:30pm. He will be speaking about topics and approaches related to his recent publication, Taboo, which we will be using in our religion curriculum as well. All members of our Federation congregations are welcome as our guests.

Topics in Taboo include emotional issues, sexuality questions, marriage and divorce, politics, addictions, and abuse, all addressed in the light of God's Word with the intention of beginning discussions on topics that are "taboo."

Mike will then be on campus to address our student body on the following day.

 
Direct questions to Kurt Rosenbaum at Rosenbaum@ALAcoyotes.org.

MY HOT LUNCHBOX

Link to sign up

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Interested in helping at home football games? We could use you as ticket sellers, grill-masters, or part of the parking crew. We especially need volunteers at our first home game on Friday, August 29.

We have numerous volunteers who come back to volunteer for the same "job" again, so it must be fun!

Volunteer here.

FUTURE COYOTES

Do you have an 8th grade student? Please send an email to Michelle Meyer at Admissions@ALAcoyotes.org to ensure your 8th grader is included in her future Coyotes list.

WEEKLY SPORTS LINE-UP

Coming up this week:

• JV football kicks off our week of competition with a home game tonight (Monday) at 6pm.
• No charge for guests at JV home football.
• The game will NOT be streamed due to internet issues with Hudl.

• Volleyball takes the court for its first matches.
• On Friday, come on out to cheer at the varsity football home opener. Read more about home football...
• Cross Country hits the course on Saturday.

View everything on the ALA calendar.

MAP TESTING TOMORROW FOR FRESHMAN

Ninth graders will be taking the MAP Growth test tomorrow. Please make a special effort to have your students in attendance and on time. 

NEW FAMILY BBQ

Welcome new AZ Lutheran families!  

Check in with other new families at the New Family BBQ held Friday, August 29. Stop by the plaza (picnic table area) any time between 5:30-6:45 to grab a hot dog before the start of the Football home opener. (7pm kick off) 

RSVP here until August 27.

FOOTBALL SEASON OPENER!

We're looking for fans that travel to the game to share score updates on our Facebook page.

Post score updates on this post.

  at Chino Valley
  Friday, August 22 ⋅ 7pm

There is an admission fee at away games. Cost and acceptable payment methods vary at each location. Bring cash, just in case. 

Chino Valley HS shared that they do not have streaming capabilities. Do not give your credit card info to any site claiming to stream the game.

FOOTBALL SEASON OPENER

Football opens its season at Chino Valley on Friday, 8/22.

HOW TO FIND 'AWAY' GAME LOCATIONS:

1. Visit https://alacoyotes.org/programs/athletics/
2. Scroll down to "Athletic Resources"
3. Then look for "Directions to Away Games"

IS YOUR STUDENT the CREATIVE TYPE?

We are seeking Coyote Content Creators for our Instagram Student Life page. Students get to

1. Create fun content about life on campus.
2. Send content to the student manager.
3. See their content on our AZ Lutheran Student Life Instagram page!

(We'll recruit Creators each season: Fall, Winter, Spring)

How to get involved?

1. Share this survey link with your student. 
2. There are QR codes scattered around campus, so students can look for those too.

FALL SPORTS PICTURES

Friday, August 22 – Cheer & Volleyball

Monday, August 25 – Cross Country, Flag Football, & Football

All sports pictures will be taken by Jenni Petersen and students in Digital Media. Photos will be shared via a Google Drive link once they are finished. Please ensure your child brings the required uniforms and gear on their scheduled picture day.

Pictures to be taken:

• Team Pictures
• Individual pictures for Varsity Team members (Volleyball, Football, and Flag Football) or Seniors (Cross Country and Cheer)
• Senior Group Picture (for the senior banner) 

Note: Individual photos will not be taken for freshmen, sophomores, or juniors. If you would like an individual picture for your child, please ask a friend to take one on your cell phone during picture day or before/after an upcoming game.

VOLUNTEER THIS FALL

Volunteering is one of the best ways to connect with others at ALA! We encourage all ALA parents to volunteer in one or two ways each season. While it’s not required, it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet other families and support ALA athletics.

 > See all opportunities & sign up here.

SCHOOL PICTURES ARE READY!

View and order at https://shop.jostenspix.com/login

• ARIZONA LUTHERAN ACADEMY
• Event Code: FE262825
• Also Needed: PowerSchool Student ID

FALL COYOTE GEAR

Our Fall "Sprint" Shop is open until 9/10/25. This shop offers limited edition Coyote gear for each fall sport. 

• Cheer
• Cross Country
• Flag Football
• Football
• Volleyball

Items ship 1-2 days after you order, directly to you. There is a minimum shipping fee of $9.95, plus tax.

Order online. 

NEW FAMILY BBQ

We welcome our new AZ Lutheran families! 

Check in with other new families at the New Family BBQ held Friday, August 29. Stop by the plaza (picnic table area) any time between 5:30-6:45 to grab a hot dog before the start of the Football home opener. (7pm kick off) 

RSVP here until August 27.

TABOO PRESENTATION BY DR. MIKE NOVOTNY

Rev. Dr. Mike Novotny--author, pastor, and speaker for Time of Grace--will come to the Arizona Lutheran gymnasium on Monday, September 8, 7:00-8:30pm. He will be speaking about topics and approaches related to his recent publication, Taboo, which we will be using in our religion curriculum as well. All members of our Federation congregations are welcome as our guests.

Topics in Taboo include emotional issues, sexuality questions, marriage and divorce, politics, addictions, and abuse, all addressed in the light of God's Word with the intention of beginning discussions on topics that are "taboo."

Mike will then be on campus to address our student body on the following day.

 
Direct questions to Kurt Rosenbaum at Rosenbaum@ALAcoyotes.org.

GET THE POWERSCHOOL APP

Have you heard about the PowerSchool app? 

Parents have shared that the app is easy to use and is useful for grades, schedule, and attendance.

Find info about this free app at https://alacoyotes.org/resources/

REMINDER: ARE YOU USING THE AZ TUITION TAX CREDIT PROGRAM (STO) FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE?

If you were a past ESA user, you must withdraw from the ESA in order to use tax credit help (STOs). You must provide verification of the ESA withdrawal to the STOs you used. (ACSTO, School Choice Arizona, etc.)

FALL SPORTS MEETING – TONIGHT, AUGUST 15

All parents and athletes participating in a fall sport are asked to attend the Fall Sports Meeting tonight at 6:00 PM in the gym.

Following the general meeting, each team will meet separately in designated locations to receive sport-specific information:

• Football - gym
• Flag Football - room 15
• Volleyball - room 21 (choir room)
• Cross Country - room 3
• Cheer - room 5

COLLEGE VISIT TO WLC

Any juniors or seniors interested in knowing more about an opportunity to visit Wisconsin Lutheran College at the end of September should talk to Mrs. Stahmann as soon as possible. 

TRI-UNIVERISTY EVENTS

Parents of seniors who are interested in attending ASU, NAU or UofA, there are several upcoming informational events that provide information about applications, campus life, and more. These events are free of charge, but require registration. More information can be found here: Tri-University Student Events

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

If your child takes prescription medication or OTC medication throughout the school year, please drop it off in the front office along with a medication permission form for each medication. This can be done at any time throughout the school year.

Write your last name on all OTC medications. Print one form for each medication.

FAMILY ATHLETIC PASS

The Family Athletic Pass allows parents & siblings of ALA students to attend home games for free. It's a perk of being part of the ALA family, and our way of making it easy for you to attend all home games. Come out to cheer for your 'Yotes!

Other family members can purchase these passes at the gate ($50/Single or $100/Family).

These passes were available on Orientation Day to families of new students.

Other students were given one today to take home to you. Please ask them for this pass when they get home from school.

These are for HOME regular-season events.

If you did not receive your pass, contact Solofra@ALAcoyotes.org.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE - GAS LEAK AND STUDENT EVACUATION

Earlier today, a gas leak was detected on our school campus, caused by construction on our new classroom building. As soon as the leak was identified, our staff followed all established safety protocols to ensure the well-being of our students and staff.

We immediately evacuated all students and personnel to a safe and secure location away from the affected area. Emergency services, including the fire department and utility company, responded quickly. The gas company fixed the issue in a reasonably short time frame.

At this time, all students are safe and accounted for. We kept them in a secure location until we received clearance from the appropriate authorities that it was safe to return to normal activities.

We praise our gracious God for watching over our staff and students during this time. His love for his children is a source of strength and comfort!

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Mr. Rosenbaum or Mr. Meyer.

Rosenbaum@ALAcoyotes.org

Meyer@ALAcoyotes.org

COYOTE GEAR FOR FALL SPORTS

 Our Fall "Sprint" Shop is open! This shop offers limited edition Coyote gear for each fall sport. 

• Cheer
• Cross Country
• Flag Football
• Football
• Volleyball

Items ship 1-2 days after you order, directly to you. There is a minimum shipping fee of $9.95, plus tax.

Order online until 9/10/25.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Arizona Lutheran is hiring a new custodian. This position is a 30-hour-per-week, year-round role. It is a 2nd shift position. 

The main responsibilities are typical custodial duties in classrooms, office, gym lobby/kitchen, locker rooms and Den restrooms. The position description can be found HERE. 

Interested job seekers should contact Doug Meyer at Meyer@ALAcoyotes.org or call 602-626-0084.

PICTURE DAY REMINDER - TUESDAY, AUGUST 12

Picture day is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12th.  

• Mark your calendar
• Plan your outfit and hairstyle (dress code applies)
• Practice your smile
• DO NOT WEAR GREEN

NEW STUDENT PIZZA LUNCH

Reminder: Friday, August 15, we’ll celebrate that all new students made it through the first full week of school. (No cost to students!)

GRACE-GLENDALE MORNING BUS ROUTE

The bus that leaves Grace each school-day morning will pick up riders in the parking lot on the south side of the campus, across Palmaire from the church.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Arizona Lutheran Academy may use student first names and full names on official social media platforms in the context of school-related activities, achievements, or public recognition.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Athletic accomplishments (e.g., all-region, team rosters)
• Academic honors
• Fine arts events and awards
• Mission trips and service projects
• Event programs or features (e.g., Gala, Senior Spotlights)

Parents/guardians who prefer that their student’s name not be used on social media may opt out by submitting a written request to Jen Bode at JBode@ALAcoyotes.org at any time.

 

FALL "SPRINT" SHOP

Our Fall "Sprint" Shop is now open! This shop offers limited edition Coyote gear for each fall sport. 

• Cheer
• Cross Country
• Flag Football
• Football
• Volleyball

Items ship 1-2 days after you order, directly to you. There is a minimum shipping fee of $9.95, plus tax.

Order online until 9/10/25.

PICTURE DAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Picture day is on Tuesday, August 12, and we need at least two parent volunteers to help run it smoothly. 

Volunteer shifts are from 7.30 am until 12.30 pm. Volunteers receive a $30 voucher to order photos from Jostens. If you can help, please sign up here. 

PARKING ASSIGNMENTS REMINDER

Students planning to drive to school beginning Thursday are to have registered their vehicles. This was noted some weeks ago in the blog. You can find the Google form here.

For those that have already registered, here is the list of your parking assignment.

FIRST DAY - AUG. 7

The first day of classes is Thursday, August 7!

• Students may want to arrive early on Thursday to get organized before they head to homeroom at 9:00am. 
• Printed schedules (grades 10-12) can be picked up in the gym lobby on Thursday morning. 
• Freshmen should bring the printed schedule received at Orientation Day.

All parents, families, and friends are invited to attend our opening worship service which begins at approximately 9:10am in the gym.

 
The service includes the installation of our new teachers:

• Sheldon Habben
• Jennifer Petersen
• Cari Romsdahl
• Seth Zimmermann

Visit the "Resources" page of our website for...

• School Supply List
• Hot Lunch
• Daily Schedules
• Handbooks
• Bus schedule

ALAcoyotes.org/resources

FALL PRACTICES BEGIN - AUG. 7

Fall sports practices begin Thursday after school. 

1. Any athletes who plan on participating must be registered through ArbiterSports. 
2. Students should hydrate properly throughout the day*, bring appropriate practice clothes and a water bottle. 

If you have any questions, please contact:
Cheer: Coach Samantha List - List@ALAcoyotes.org
Cross Country: Coach Sheldon Habben - Habben@ALAcoyotes.org
Football (boys): Coach Dave Peter - Peter@ALAcoyotes.org
Flag Football (girls): Coach Jon Romsdahl - Romsdahl@ALAcoyotes.org
Volleyball: Coach Brad Bode - Bode@ALAcoyotes.org

*Read about proper hydration here.

PARKING ASSIGNMENTS

Students planning to drive to school beginning Thursday are to have registered their vehicles. This was noted some weeks ago in the blog. You can find the Google form here.

For those that have already registered, here is the list of your parking assignment.

FIRST DAY IS AUG. 7

The first day of classes is Thursday, August 7!

Students may want to arrive early on Thursday to get organized before they head to homeroom at 9:00am. 

Printed schedules (grades 10-12) can be picked up in the gym lobby on Thursday morning. 

Freshmen should bring the printed schedule received at Orientation Day.

What resources are you looking for? Visit the "Resources" page of our website for...

• School Supply List
• Hot Lunch
• Daily Schedules
• Handbooks
• Bus schedule

ALAcoyotes.org/resources

BUS ROUTES

The morning and afternoon bus runs will begin with the first day of school on Thursday. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to ensure a smooth beginning of the year.

The first morning run will be complimentary, but cards will be punched starting on Thursday afternoon.
Ten-ride cards can be purchased online or in person at the office (online purchases will be for a card picked up at the office by your student) for $42.50.

For your reference, the bus schedule is here.

VOLUNTEER THIS FALL

 Volunteering is one of the best ways to connect with others at AZ Lutheran! With that in mind, all parents are encouraged to volunteer in 1 or 2 ways each season. (Nope, it's not required, but it's good for your Coyote health!) Volunteering is a great way to meet people, and we can't wait to see you!

1st: Check out the opportunities to give a gift to our new teachers on the first day. 

2nd: We have a plethora of volunteer activities ... and more will be shared soon.

>> Read about Fall opportunities here.

>> To find the Volunteer sign-up page later, visit ALAcoyotes.org and look for the "Resources" page. You'll find a "Volunteer" link there.

OPENING SERVICE — AUG. 7

Our 48th school year begins Thursday, Aug. 7 at 9am.

 
All parents, families, and friends are invited to attend our opening worship service which begins at approximately 9:10am in the gym.

 
The service includes the installation of our new teachers:

• Sheldon Habben
• Jennifer Petersen
• Cari Romsdahl
• Seth Zimmermann

AZ LUTHERAN BUS SERVICE

The AZ Lutheran bus service will be in operation both before and after school beginning on Thursday, August 7 (following the late start schedule). 

Families who were on our list from registration have received specific communication about bus ridership. If you're planning for your child to use the bus but have not received this personal communication, please contact Kurt Rosenbaum immediately: Rosenbaum@ALAcoyotes.org.

There is a $4.25/ride charge, and passes may be purchased in 10-ride coupons for $42.50. The morning route on Thursday, August 7, is complimentary.

The bus schedule can be found in the resources section of our website.

REMINDER - NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION TOMORROW!

Saturday, August 2, 12:30-4:00pm

• All new students (all grades) and at least one parent should attend the New Student Orientation Day. 
• Saturday, August 2, 12:30-4pm
• Begins at 12:30pm in the AZ Lutheran gym (NOTE: This is not an "open house" format; it is scheduled for all to be there from 12:30 to 4pm.)
• One parent is required but both are welcome.
• Information will be given for both parents and new students.
• Students will receive their class schedules, learn to open lockers, meet teachers, find classrooms, and more! 
• Students can bring school supplies to put into their lockers.
• Students will receive PowerSchool information.
• New international students will have their orientation day with Mrs. Stahmann on Tuesday, August 5, 9:00am –2:00pm. International students do not need to attend the Saturday Orientation Day.