VOLLEYBALL at VERITAS

Veritas will livestream on Hudl Fan (9/30/25): 

https://fan.hudl.com/usa/az/phoenix/organization/30235/veritas-prep-high

PIZZA FRIDAY REMINDER

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, October 3. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to sign up before next Thursday, October 2 at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice.

STATE FORTY EIGHT TEES

Pre-order a new State Forty Eight tee by Tuesday, Sept 30 and we'll have it ready for you at the Homecoming football game!

Get all the Coyote Gear links at ALAcoyotes.org/gear.

BUILD UP OPPORTUNITY

New Saturday session, October 4, 7:00am-12noon

Goal: continue last week's projects to build the shade structure and to teach welding skills.

Sign up here for October 4

Two upcoming afternoon sessions:

• Thursday, October 2, 2025, 3:15pm-5:15pm (sign up here)

Goal: build one or both of the example furniture pieces pictured below. You will be able to take one home when finished.

NEED GEAR FOR HOMECOMING?

 Gear up for Homecoming!

1. Shop from our Coyote Gear Sideline Store 
1. Open 24/7, ships to you
2. They have a discount code on their site right now
3. You can design items for any sport or alumni (Look for "Shop by Design" and Category)
2. Pre-order a new State Forty Eight tee

Get all the Gear links at ALAcoyotes.org/gear.

STILL LOOKING FOR A DRIVER

We are looking for a bus driver to drive the after-school East Valley route, starting September 22 or as soon as possible. 

The route begins at AZ Lutheran, departing typically at 3:10pm and goes to Emmanuel in Tempe and on to Pilgrim in Mesa. This is a paid position and no special driver’s license is required. 

Typical shifts last for about two hours, depending on traffic. Communicate your interest to Kurt Rosenbaum, Rosenbaum@ALAcoyotes.org //online link alacoyotes.org/employment

PASTOR DUKE SONNTAG

Called home to heaven

On Sept 23, retired Pastor Lyle “Duke" Sonntag passed away rather unexpectedly. Known as "Papa Sonntag" to our students, he faithfully served ALA for many years as a substitute teacher, bus driver, friendly volunteer, chapel leader and was the grandfather of current students, Brittney and Remmington. We keep his wife (Lois) and his family in our prayers, asking that the Lord of Life comforts them with the victory that Duke enjoys.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

On Sunday, October 5, our teachers will be available at ALA from 4pm to 7pm to discuss your child's progress and status in class. 

• These conferences are optional, but you're invited to come for any or all of that time. 
• All teachers will be stationed in the gym, and you can meet any or all of them during your visit. 
• No need to register; we will follow an Open House format.

PIZZA FRIDAY

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, October 3. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to sign up before next Thursday, October 2 at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Put your handyman skills to work setting up our new classroom furniture! We are assembling a team of volunteers to hang whiteboards and assemble desks, tables, and shelves to get our new classrooms ready for our students and teachers. Volunteer times:

Tue 9/30 Noon-8:00pm (come anytime in this window that works for you)

Wed 10/1 3:00-8:00pm (if necessary)

If you can help for a couple of hours or more, please contact Doug Meyer via text at 602-626-0084 or email, Meyer@ALAcoyotes.org.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 29

There is no school on Monday, September 29. Therefore, on Tuesday, September 30, we will observe the Late Start schedule. 

BUILD UP AZ REMINDER

New Saturday session, October 4, 7:00am-12noon

Goal: continue last week's projects to build the shade structure and to teach welding skills.

Sign up here for October 4

Two upcoming afternoon sessions:

• Thursday, September 25, 3:15pm-5:15pm (sign up here if you haven't already done so)
• Thursday, October 2, 2025, 3:15pm-5:15pm (sign up here)

Goal: build one or both of the example furniture pieces pictured below. You will be able to take one home when finished.

THANKS AND FAREWELL!

Today is the last day for our East Valley bus driver to take the afternoon routes. Mr. Mike Henderson is moving on to other employment. We thank him for his faithful service.

DRIVER WANTED

We are looking for a bus driver to drive the after-school East Valley route, starting September 22 or as soon as possible. 

The route begins at AZ Lutheran, departing typically at 3:10pm and goes to Emmanuel in Tempe and on to Pilgrim in Mesa. This is a paid position and no special driver’s license is required. 

Typical shifts last for about two hours, depending on traffic. Communicate your interest to Kurt Rosenbaum, Rosenbaum@ALAcoyotes.org //online link alacoyotes.org/employment

PODCAST: EPISODE 3

Tune in to episode 3 of The Howl podcast where Miles and Sam cover another week of Coyotes athletics AND interview XC athlete, Ezra. 

 

Find links at ALAcoyotes.org/social. And follow us on social media to get access to the podcast as soon as it's released. 

ACCELERATED PATHWAYS CAREER COLLEGE

On Monday, September 22, Accelerated Pathways Career College will have a table set up and representatives present to talk with interested students about their programs. 

This technical school focuses on short-term certification programs, including medical assistant, medical billing, phlebotomy, paralegal, and others. Students interested in these types of careers are encouraged to visit the table for more information.

HYPE ZONE THEMES (9/22-23)

Upcoming Hype Zone Themes:

• Monday, 9/22: Code Red at Home Volleyball
• Tuesday, 9/23: Black Out at Home Flag FB

FRIDAY FOOTBALL AT NFL Yet

🏈 Football AT NFL Yet 

🗓️ Friday, Sept 19

Admission:  

• Adults $5 | School Students $2 | 5 & Under FREE

• CASH or CARD ($1 additional charge fee for tap)

 

Concessions: Food and beverages are available for purchase. (CASH ONLY)

Field Entrance: All fans must enter through the gate located on the South end of the field.

Sidelines: The visiting team will be using the Northside of the football field.

UPCOMING BUILD UP OPPORTUNITIES

New Saturday session, October 4, 7:00am-12noon

Goal: continue last week's projects to build the shade structure and to teach welding skills.

Sign up here for October 4

Two upcoming afternoon sessions:

• Thursday, September 25, 3:15pm-5:15pm (sign up here if you haven't already done so)
• Thursday, October 2, 2025, 3:15pm-5:15pm (sign up here)

Goal: build one or both of the example furniture pieces pictured below. You will be able to take one home when finished.

LOOKING FOR A DRIVER

We are looking for a bus driver to drive the after-school East Valley route, starting September 22 or as soon as possible. 

The route begins at AZ Lutheran, departing typically at 3:10pm and goes to Emmanuel in Tempe and on to Pilgrim in Mesa. This is a paid position and no special driver’s license is required. 

Typical shifts last for about two hours, depending on traffic. Communicate your interest to Kurt Rosenbaum, Rosenbaum@ALAcoyotes.org //online link alacoyotes.org/employment

CONGRATULATIONS!

Alexander Groth and Kara Verburg have been identified as Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This award notes their performance on the PSAT in October 2024; the PSAT also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT).

Approximately 3.5 million students took the NMSQT last fall; the top 50,000 are noted with this accomplishment. That means that Alex and Kara are in the top 1.4% of students in the Class of 2026 by virtue of the score.

We are proud of you!

PODCAST: EPISODE 2

Tune in to episode 2 of The Howl podcast where Miles and Sam cover another week of Coyotes athletics.

 

Find links at ALAcoyotes.org/social.

POSITION AVAILABLE

We are looking for a bus driver to drive the after-school East Valley route, starting September 22 or as soon as possible. 

The route begins at AZ Lutheran, departing typically at 3:10pm and goes to Emmanuel in Tempe and on to Pilgrim in Mesa. This is a paid position and no special driver’s license is required. 

Typical shifts last for about two hours, depending on traffic. Communicate your interest to Kurt Rosenbaum, Rosenbaum@ALAcoyotes.org //online link alacoyotes.org/employment

HYPE ZONE THEMES (Sept 15-19)

Next Week’s Hype Zone Themes:

Sept 16, Tuesday - Neon Night for VB & the Flag FB Inaugural Season home opener

NACAC COLLEGE FAIR

Interested in learning more about college options? 

The NACAC In-Person College Fair will be held here in Phoenix on Sunday, September 21, from 11 am to 3 pm at the Phoenix Convention Center. 

Hundreds of colleges will have representatives available for you to talk to. More information, including registration links can be found at the NACAC website.

PICTURE RETAKES ARE READY

School Pictures are Ready!

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

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

A REFLECTION

Today is a day of sober reflection, looking back at events of the distant and recent past.

On this day, 24 years ago, the US was savagely attacked by a group of radical Islamic zealots who used four airplanes as weapons. One of these four was unsuccessful, brought down by the heroic passengers and crew who had heard what was going on. One of them hit its target at the Pentagon in Virginia, the headquarters of our Department of War. Two of them successfully hit Towers 1 and 2 of the World Trade Center in New York City, both of which eventually crumbled to the ground. All passengers and crew of these four planes, including the terrorists themselves, perished in these attacks. Adding the victims on the ground and in the towers and the first responders who ran toward the calamity, the total death count on 9/11/2001 was just under 3000 people, a higher number than those who perished in the Pearl Harbor attack.

President George W Bush said on that day: Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.

This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day.

In my more than six decades of life, I have never known America to be more united than in the weeks following 9/11. Sadly, that unity has not lasted, and today we live in a sharply divided nation, where even the expression of a contradicting viewpoint leads to charges of evil and calls for elimination.

Yesterday, Charlie Kirk, a young man who stood strongly for his ideals of American pride, conservative beliefs, and Christian values, and who encouraged open conversation in a nation proclaiming the Freedom of Speech, was gunned down in a cowardly act. Agreeing with his ideas and convictions or not, I believe that we as Americans must condemn such hostile behavior and allow the freedoms that are ours in the Bill of Rights to be truly freely exercised and to welcome the free discussion of competing viewpoints without personal demonization. Today and for the next few days, our own flag, by order of President Trump, flies at half-staff to memorialize Charlie Kirk.

Join me in a moment of silence to honor those lost in these events.

Blessed are they who mourn,

for they will be comforted….

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy….

Blessed are the peacemakers,

For they will be called children of God.

Matthew 5:4,6,7,9

PARENT SURVEY

We continually work to serve our students and parents with excellence. One way parents can assist us as we strive for improvement is to complete Parent Pulse surveys. 

Each family will receive an email over the next 90 days with a link to a short survey that allows parents to evaluate our school communication, leadership, staff, academic work, culture and extracurriculars. 

We distribute these surveys 2-3 times per year. Your feedback is valuable and we are grateful that parents take a few minutes to share your perspective. So look for the email from Parent Pulse. 

Thanks for your partnership!

SAFETY FIRST: REMINDER

We have been informed that some drivers are dropping off students in the morning by stopping along the curb on 27th Avenue near our driveway to avoid entering the campus. While there may be a time-saving component to this, it really creates a traffic pattern that has caused other drivers to be uncertain of their safe-driving steps. We strongly recommend that students be dropped off on campus to heighten the safety of all of our AZ Lutheran family members.

PARENT SURVEY

We continually work to serve our students and parents with excellence. One way parents can assist us as we strive for improvement is to complete Parent Pulse surveys. 

Each family will receive an email over the next 90 days with a link to a short survey that allows parents to evaluate our school communication, leadership, staff, academic work, culture, and extracurriculars. We distribute these surveys 2-3 times per year. 

Your feedback is valuable, and we are grateful that parents take a few minutes to share their perspective. So look for the email from Parent Pulse. Thanks for your partnership!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THIS FRIDAY

There are still volunteers needed at this Friday’s football game, which begins at 7:00pm. 

There are a variety of needs, like selling tickets, assisting with concessions, or parking cars. If you can help, please sign up today!

 

PARENT SURVEY

We continually work to serve our students and parents with excellence. One way parents can assist us as we strive for improvement is to complete Parent Pulse surveys. 

Each family will receive an email over the next 90 days with a link to a short survey that allows parents to evaluate our school communication, leadership, staff, academic work, culture, and extracurriculars. We distribute these surveys 2-3 times per year. 

Your feedback is valuable, and we are grateful that parents take a few minutes to share their perspective. So look for the email from Parent Pulse. Thanks for your partnership!

FOOOTBALL GAME THIS FRIDAY

There are still volunteers needed at this Friday’s football game, which begins at 7:00pm. 

There are a variety of needs, like selling tickets, assisting with concessions, or parking cars. If you can help, please sign up today!

 

ATTENTION PARENTS OF JUNIORS: ACT TESTING

Next March, AZ Lutheran will be having all juniors take the ACT test on our campus during the school day. The date is yet to be determined, but will be sometime during the second half of March. Once the date is finalized, it will be shared with you. This testing will be provided at no cost to our families.


Because most colleges and universities accept either the ACT or the SAT test, this on-site testing should alleviate much of the need to schedule and pay for off-site testing on a weekend. Students may still choose to retest or take the SAT, but in many cases, that will no longer be necessary. 

If you have questions regarding the ACT or SAT, please contact Mrs. Stahmann at Guidance@ALAcoyotes.org.

BUILD UP ARIZONA

This program is back and getting ready for the first experience.

Mentors from the trades organize these events to expose young men and women to tools and basic machinery, building and maintenance skills, and service in God’s name. There is no cost to a participant, but the benefits are priceless!

The first semester dates that we can share are as follows:

Saturdays from 7:00am to 2:00pm (lunch included); stay only part of the time if you can’t schedule the whole event

• September 13 (sign up available now)
• November 22

Weekdays after school from 3:15pm to 5:15pm

• September 25 (sign up available now)
• October 2
• October 23
• November 19
• December 15

NEW! PODCAST

Introducing Arizona Lutheran's first-ever podcast! Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to hear Miles and Sam with sports news in "The Howl."

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

This venture was created by Sam & Miles after they spent time researching where & how to house the podcast online, finding equipment from our tech dept, and seeking approval from our content creation team and athletic dept.  

INSTAGRAM:

Additionally, student content creators (both volunteers and Digital Media students) are managing and creating content for a new Instagram AZLutheran_StudentLife page. This Instagram page is a fantastic place for reminders about upcoming events.

INTRODUCING THE THEME FOR GALA 2026!

Come on down! 

Get ready to spin the wheel & guess the price at our Game Show Gala on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

This retro-themed evening will bring back the glitz, charm, and excitement of your favorite classic game shows—complete with themed games, dinner, and a night of fun to support our mission.

How to help?

1. Have connections with a caterer? Send catering company suggestions to JBode@ALAcoyotes.org.
2. How can we build a wheel?! Send ideas to JBode@ALAcoyotes.org.
3. In the next several months, we'll share more about asking your favorite businesses for donations.
4. Save the date and plan to attend!

HOME GAME - HYPE ZONE THEMES

Student Council has been working on the Coyote Hype Zone theme nights. Get ready to dig in the closet to find the gear and get ready to cheer!

This week's Hype Zone themes:

• Wednesday: BLACK OUT Volleyball (wear black)
• Thursday: USA/Patriotic Flag Football Scrimmage
• Friday: TROPICAL Football (leis, Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses)

Parents are also invited to dress the theme (or in black & gold) and fill the stands.

(The calendar below was made by a student content creator and is subject to change. Always check ALAcoyotes.org/calendar to confirm exact dates & times.)

VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR

Interested in learning more about a variety of colleges from the comfort of your home? 

Check out the free NACAC virtual college fair and connect with admissions staff from more than 40 different colleges and universities, including ASU and NAU.

REMINDER : PICTURE RETAKES TOMORROW

We are doing photo retakes tomorrow from 7:30am until 12pm. Students who want to do a picture retake should come to the gym before the start of school or during their study hall. 

Wear your smile, but don't wear green! 

  

FOOTBALL AT SAN TAN CHARTER

  at San Tan Charter
  Thursday, Sept. 4 ⋅ 7pm

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

Post score updates on this Facebook post.

ADMISSION:
tickets available at the door (cash & online payment)
Adults $5
Students $3
Children under the age of 5 - free

How to find away game locations: 

1. Visit ALAcoyotes.org/athletics
2. Scroll down and look for "Directions to Away Games"

STREAMED ON HUDL

(Do not give your credit card info to any other site claiming to stream the game.)

TABOO PRESENTATION: JOIN US ON MONDAY

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 book, Taboo, which we will be using in our religion curriculum as well. 

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."

➡️ This special evening is open to all Arizona Lutheran Academy parents, alumni, and members of our Federation congregations.

🗓️ Monday, September 8 | 7:00-8:30pm

📍 AZ Lutheran Gym

📺 Watch live on our Youtube channel.

🔉 Pastor Novotny will also speak to students on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

🔎 Fun fact: Two ALA alumni are part of the Time of Grace team. See if you can spot them on their website!

 

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

EMERGENCY ALERT TEXT TEST

Today, we sent a school-wide emergency text test. If you did not receive a text message from us, please follow the steps below to subscribe. 

ALA will begin utilizing the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages straight to your mobile phone with important information about attendance, school closing, safety alerts, and more. But you must opt-in to participate in this free service.

HOW TO JOIN THE LIST:

Send a text message of "Y" or "Yes" to our school's shortcode number, 

6 7 5 8 7 

Your mobile number must be on file in PowerSchool! 

Click on this flyer to read more, or use a QR code to opt-in. 

SAFETY FIRST

We have been informed that some drivers are dropping off students in the morning by stopping along the curb on 27th Avenue near our driveway to avoid entering the campus. While there may be a time-saving component to this, it really creates a traffic pattern that has caused other drivers to be uncertain of their safe-driving steps. We strongly recommend that students are dropped on campus to heighten the safety of all of our AZ Lutheran family members.

2025-26 PHOTO WEBSITE

We host a website for you to view & download event and sports photos.

• View the 2025-26 photo collections at https://sites.google.com/alacoyotes.org/ala-school-photos/home
• A variety of photographers (including students and staff) will contribute.
• Free to download and share!
• We will continue to add photos, so bookmark it and visit often.
• Last year's photos are still available on this same website.

SPRINT TO GET YOUR COYOTE GEAR!

Hurry to order from the Fall "Sprint" Shop 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.

MISSION CLUB PIZZA THIS 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 Thursday, September 4, at noon. 

Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice.

BUILD UP ARIZONA!

We are excited to kick-off the fourth year of our AZ Build Up program!

What is the Build Up program? The purpose of the Build Up program is to connect high school students with Christian men and women who work (or have worked) in various trades jobs. The adults teach, train, & mentor students in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and more through hands-on projects. Opportunities exist to encourage and build up teens in their faith as well.

Mentors from the trades organize these events to expose young men and women to tools and basic machinery, building and maintenance skills, and service in God’s name. There is no cost to a participant, but the benefits are priceless!

Watch this short video to hear what some of our students had to say about the program.

Here are the first semester scheduled dates (additional dates may be added):

Saturdays from 7:00am to 2:00pm (lunch included); stay only part of the time if you can’t schedule the whole event

• September 13 (sign up here)
• Tool orientation & safety (for newcomers)
• Building a shade structure
• Installing a front door

• November 22

Weekdays after school from 3:15pm to 5:15pm

• September 25 (sign up here)
• October 2
• October 23
• November 19
• December 15

GALA MEETING - WEDNESDAY!

Our first official Gala planning 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.)
• For our Oct-March 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.

INTERNATIONAL HOSTING OPPORTUNITY

We are expecting to add a German student (11th grade boy) to our student body soon and are looking for a host family. 

Learn more about this opportunity: 

• International Hosting info page
• Please contact Lynnette Stahmann at your earliest convenience: Internationals@ALAcoyotes.org.

PICTURE RETAKES THIS FRIDAY

Were you absent on picture day, or would you like to retake your photos?

Picture retake is scheduled for Friday, September 5th.  

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

FIRST DAY OF EACH WEEK = LATE START

The first day of each week follows the "Late Start" schedule (classes begin at 9am).

• Usually this is a Monday, but it also applies to any day after a holiday. 
• If your child arrived early today or needs to arrive early on a Late Start day, that's not a problem. They can relax at an indoor or outdoor table and be prepped and ready for the week!

Find daily schedules at ALAcoyotes.org/resources.

GALA KICK-OFF MEETING ON WEDNESDAY

The Gala is an evening fundraiser, auction, and dinner, with support from many, many people — and is 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 3 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.)
• For our Oct-March 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