WINTER PHOTO COLLECTION

  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) contribute.
• Basketball & Wrestling team photos and Christmas Concert photos have recently been added.
• Free to download and share!
• We will continue to add photos, so bookmark it and visit often.

SENIOR SUNRISE EVENT

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 chocolate bar.

How can you help? 

• First: encourage your senior to attend! A few fun FULL Senior class photos would be so fantastic! 
•  We are also looking for parents to assist with photos and preparing and serving breakfast. You just need to arrive early to assist! Let us know if you would be interested!
• Since this is a first-time event, there is nothing in the Senior budget to cover any costs. If you are willing to donate for any of the food and activities that would be appreciated! (Donation links are below.)

Thank you for your consideration!

Reply to: Erica Breeden <lilpeanut998@yahoo.com> 
Venmo: @Erica-Breeden (3765 verification)
Zelle: 651-285-3765

PARENTS OF SENIORS

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:

• 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 for expedited shipping.

Any questions, please contact Mrs. McKenney at McKenney@ALAcoyotes.org

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. The goal for the Gala is to raise $100,000 for campus improvements.

How to help?

1. How can we build a wheel?! Send ideas to JBode@ALAcoyotes.org.
2. Consider a sponsorship and/or ask your favorite businesses for donations.
3. Invite friends and let's fill the studio audience. (Tickets now available!)

JOIN US THIS EVENING

 Celebrate Christmas at Arizona Lutheran Academy!

• Kneel at His Cradle Christmas Concert
• Friday, Dec. 19 at 7pm
• in the AZ Lutheran gymnasium
• Streamed on our YouTube channel at ALAcoyotes.org/YouTube

SUBSTITUTE BUS DRIVER NEEDED

We are in need of a substitute bus driver for one time only on Monday, January 5, for the Tucson run. Drive to Tucson early to pick up the busload and return to school around 8:30am. There is compensation for this. Please contact Kurt Rosenbaum, Rosenbaum@ALAcoyotes.org.

FINAL REMINDER - PARKING FOR SENIORS

Seniors who still wish to paint their personal parking space have another opportunity to do so coming up on January 2. This is the final chance to decorate. If you are interested, the student must contact Mr. Rosenbaum directly by the end of today, December 19.

SUBSTITUTE BUS DRIVER NEEDED

We are in need of a substitute bus driver for one time only on Monday, January 5, for the Tucson run. Drive to Tucson early to pick up the busload and return to school around 8:30am. There is compensation for this. Please contact Kurt Rosenbaum, Rosenbaum@ALAcoyotes.org.

PARKING SPACES FOR SENIORS

Seniors who still wish to paint their personal parking space have another opportunity to do so coming up on January 2. This is the final chance to decorate. If you are interested, the student must contact Mr. Rosenbaum directly by December 19.

EXAMS - DEC 17, 18 & 19

SEE THE EXAM SCHEDULE HERE. 

• Students do not have to report to school until their first test of the day and may leave after their final test of the day. However, students must sign in at the office when they arrive late and sign out at the office when they leave early. Once a student leaves campus for the day, he/she may not return. Students may not leave campus between tests. If a student has a period off between tests, arrives early for a test, or is waiting for others to finish a test, he/she will go to study hall. Be sure to bring work to do or a book to read. Study hall locations will be announced.
• All tests will be taken in the usual classroom for each course. Students may not leave a testing session early, even if they have finished the test.
• There will be no lunch offered on these days. Students are encouraged to bring a snack along for breaks between exam periods (good brain food, such as fruit, is recommended).
• If an exam is missed, the student must make arrangements with the instructor and take the exam by Friday, January 9, 2026, to receive credit.
• There will be no semester exams in art classes, Digital Media & Design, Physical Education, or Weight Training. All other classes are expected to meet during the scheduled exam period.
• Exam periods for Freshman Music, Band, and Concert Choir/A Cappella will serve as dress rehearsals for the Christmas Concert.
• All students are expected to attend the school Christmas Chapel on Thursday at 9:15 a.m.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Celebrate Christmas at Arizona Lutheran Academy!

• Kneel at His Cradle Christmas Concert
• Friday, Dec. 19 at 7pm
• in the AZ Lutheran gymnasium
• Streamed on our YouTube channel at ALAcoyotes.org/YouTube

BUILD UP ON MONDAY DEC 15

Final Build Up event for the first semester will be after school on Monday, December 15. The sign-up can be found here. This event will include completing projects you’ve already begun or constructing a picnic table; these events were carried over from November’s date, which had to be cancelled. This will be a great opportunity to learn some life skills.

LAST CALL FOR PIZZA!

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, December 12. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to sign up before next Thursday, December 11, at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice. 

BASKETBALL TICKET SELLERS NEEDED

We still have a lot of volunteer slots that need to be filled, 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 big role in helping us cover the cost of officials, tournament fees, and other essential expenses.

Sign up today

BUILD UP REMINDER

Final Build Up event for the first semester will be after school on Monday, December 15. The sign-up can be found here. This event will include completing projects you’ve already begun or constructing a picnic table; these events were carried over from November’s date, which had to be cancelled. This will be a great opportunity to learn some life skills.

PIZZA, PIZZA

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, December 12. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to sign up before next Thursday, December 11, at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice.

VOLLEYBALL COACHING CHANGE

Arizona Lutheran is announcing a change in leadership for our volleyball program. Our administration has asked Pastor Brad Bode to step away from his role as head volleyball coach. We are grateful to Pastor Bode for his 23 years of leading the program, his commitment to our ministry, and his service to our student-athletes.

Our purpose and passion at Arizona Lutheran is “preparing lifelong, heaven-bound disciples for Christ.” As God continues to grow our student body, the school leadership is committed to serving our students by providing increased opportunities for faith development and for knowing Jesus. We pray that Pastor Brad Bode, in his role as campus pastor, can serve our ministry going forward by leading the effort to help our students grow in their faith and in their connections with their Savior through increased Bible study opportunities, expanding our mission trip program, and greater availability for pastoral counseling.

 

MEN OF HIS WORD CONFERENCE

Men: You're invited to the 2026 Men of His Word Conference!

🗓️ Saturday, January 31, 2026
📍 Desert Willow Conference Center (48th Street and Broadway in Phoenix)

Register and purchase your early bird ticket now for $100; students $50. (Dads, bring your sons!)
The cost will increase to $125 after the first of the year.

The Men of His Word Conference is a gathering for godly men to be encouraged and to grow together in faith through worship and Bible study. This year’s theme is “Courage Under Fire” with Pastor Jeff Gunn as the keynote speaker and breakout groups for learning and discussion.

➡️ Visit menofhisword.org for more information and to register.

FORMER TEACHER MISS IGLESIAS

Last year, we were blessed to have Miss AnaCristina Iglesias teach math and Spanish for a year. She returned to school this past fall, but shortly thereafter was diagnosed with cancer. If you are interested in helping her, please check the following announcement. CLICK HERE.

URGENT NEED

Are you available to help by selling tickets at one of our home basketball games? If the listed time slot doesn’t work for you, please let us know what would. Having volunteers at the ticket table helps us cover the cost of officials, tournament fees, and other essential expenses.

We urgently need volunteers for basketball tickets for tomorrow's home basketball games, 12/5. If you’re able to help, please sign up today. Your support makes a big difference-thank you!

FINAL BUILD UP

Final Build Up event for the first semester will be after school on Monday, December 15. The sign-up can be found here. This event will include completing projects you’ve already begun or constructing a picnic table; these events were carried over from November’s date, which had to be cancelled. This will be a great opportunity to learn some life skills.

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, December 12. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to sign up before next Thursday, December 11, at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice.

GRADUATION CAPS AND GOWNS

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:

• 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 for expedited shipping.

Any questions, please contact Mrs. McKenney at McKenney@ALAcoyotes.org

WINTER SPORTS PICTURES

Monday, December 8 – Boys/Girls Basketball

Thursday, December 11 – JV Soccer & Boys/Girls Wrestling

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:

1. Team Pictures
2. Individual pictures for Varsity Team members (Basketball)
3. Individual pictures for Seniors (Wrestling)
4. 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 WINTER

Interested in selling tickets at home basketball games? 10 opportunities are coming up. The most urgent is Friday, December 5. All ALA parents are encouraged to volunteer in 1 or 2 ways each season. It's not required, but it's a great way to meet other families while supporting ALA athletics.

If you are willing to help, please Sign up here

HELP OUR CAMPUS SHINE!

It's Giving Tuesday!

If you haven't given your Giving Tuesday gift yet, we invite you to join the movement with the AZ Lutheran family. We are raising $75,000 to update the exterior paint on every remaining building on campus.

From $100-1000, every gift will bring new life, color, and unity to the entire campus. It will transform the place where your child and all of our students daily grow in faith, knowledge, and purpose, ensuring that AZ Lutheran shines with excellence from the curb to the classroom.

Ben Priebe writes, "I get to meet with the owner of the paint company on Wednesday, and I'd love to tell him that we have cash in hand to move forward."

Ways to help:

• GIVE a gift online
• PRAY that God will move the hearts of many to join you in supporting our students today.
• SHARE about our project with one friend, aunt, uncle, or grandparent who loves Jesus and has a passion for Christian education.
• Share the website: ALAcoyotes.org/Tuesday
• Watch and share the "Sam, Ben, and Paint Chips" video

Join together with the Coyote family to give your tax-deductible gift today!

WINTER GAMES BEGIN!

Winter games are underway with our first HOME basketball games this week. 

• Visit the ALA calendar for dates & times.
• Anything noted in red is a change to the calendar, so visit often!

Look for the "people" icon to sort by Interest Groups

Streaming:
All home games are set to stream at ALAcoyotes.org/Hudl

Basketball/Wrestling Admission:
AZ Lutheran Families: show your athletic pass for free admission

HOW TO FIND 'AWAY' GAME LOCATIONS:

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

Share the following information with your extended family:

Home Game Admission:

• ADULTS $5
• SENIORS (60+) $3
• ALUMNI $2
• AGE 6 – HIGH SCHOOL $2
• 5 & UNDER FREE
• ATHLETIC PASS (SINGLE) $50
• ATHLETIC PASS (FAMILY) $100
• Cash and credit accepted

Soccer Admission: no charge

Admission at other schools varies by location. Some accept credit but not all. Bring cash.

NO AFTER SCHOOL BUS RUN TO GRACE ON DECEMBER 2

Parents, please note there will be no after-school bus run to Grace Glendale on Tuesday, December 2. Our apologies for the inconvenience.