BUS DRIVER

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

TUITION ASSISTANCE: TAX CREDIT PROGRAM

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

LAVEEN PARADE

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

SENIORS: PHOTOS NEEDED

 The yearbook staff is requesting two things from each senior:

1. Senior portrait
2. 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 (Petersen@ALAcoyotes.org) or Jen Bode (JBode@ALAcoyotes.org).

DEADLINE TO ORDER CAPS AND GOWNS - TOMORROW

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

GRANDPARENTS DAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

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.  

ACT/SAT FOR JUNIORS

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.

RE-ENROLLMENT FOR 2026-2027

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.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

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.

BAKER, CRAFTER, OR FOOD SERVER?

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 buffet, set and clear tables, assist guests, and assist with dessert service. 

And we are hoping to borrow one item. Do you have a trade-show style spinner wheel we could borrow (similar to this)? 

If you could possibly help in any of these areas, reach out to Jen Bode with all of your questions! (JBode@ALAcoyotes.org or 602-268-8686 ext. 137) 

LAST DAY TO RSVP FOR GRANDPARENTS DAY

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! 

AZ LUTHERAN SCHOOLS WEEK

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!

NEW! WINTER SPRINT SHOP

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.

VARSITY BASKETBALL GAME RESCHEDULED

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.

CALL UPDATE

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

BUILD UP SIGN UP

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.

MEET COACH LORZEL

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

BASKETBALL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

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!

GRANDPARENTS DAY RSVP AND VOLUNTEERS

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 - FEBRUARY 2-6

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 a pair of socks! (Shoes off, socks on for dancing on the gym floor.)

YEARBOOK ADS DEADLINE - JANUARY 31

🎓 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!

BUILD UP REMINDER

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.

BASKETBALL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

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!

HELP NEEDED - LAVEEN PARADE

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

ATTENTION PARENTS OF SENIORS

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

GRANDPARENTS DAY DEADLINE TO RSVP

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! 

CLASS SPEAKERS 2026

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

BUILD UP

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.

CALL UPDATE

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. 

GALA STUDENT COMPETITION - post 3

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!

 

CALL RECEIVED

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

GRANDPARENTS DAY - REMINDER

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! 

2025 RAISE RIGHT RECAP

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.

YEARBOOK RECOGNITION ADS

🎓 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!

PIZZA LUNCH 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, 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.

BUILD UP REGISTRATION

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.

GALA STUDENT COMPETITION - post 2

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 WITH A YEARBOOK!

🎓 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!

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, 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.

WRESTLING ON THE ROAD

Coyote wrestlers are on the road to Joseph City!

🗓 Jan 9-10
📸 Send your action and podium photos to Photos@ALAcoyotes.org.

BUILD UP REMINDER

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.

JAN. 9 - HOME GAMES

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

FINANCIAL PLANNING WORKSHOPS

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

SENIOR & BABY PHOTO REQUEST

The yearbook staff is requesting two things from each senior:

1. Senior portrait
2. 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 (Petersen@ALAcoyotes.org) or Jen Bode (JBode@ALAcoyotes.org).

FROM STUDENT TO COACH

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.

NEW BUILD UP DATES

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.

SEMESTER 2 HOT LUNCH OPTIONS

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.

EDIT: JAN. 7 BASKETBALL

🏀 Home Girls Basketball vs Miami
🗓 Wed., Jan. 7
⏰ Please note: JV cancelled | Vars 6:00

(the date was misprinted in Tuesday's email)

BUS DRIVER WANTED

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

GOT PHOTOS?

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

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.

ATTENDANCE TIPS

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 test or quiz
• get caught up as soon as possible

(Parents, this is your student's responsibility, and you should teach/encourage/assist. Do not do it for them.)

Tip #5: Help your child establish & maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and packing lunch the night before, getting a good night’s sleep, and leaving at a set time for school each day.


Tip #6:
Plan to arrive at school 10-15 minutes before school starts. This extra cushion helps if you run into unexpected traffic. ("Traffic" will be excused only once. After that, it's considered a tardy. Tardies add up quickly and can result in detention.)


Tip #7:
Does your child have an appointment during the day? When you arrive, the driveway gate will be closed. 

• Simply push the button (it's labeled), and listen for the receptionist's response.
• Let the receptionist know your name and your child's name.

Let's start 2nd semester off right with on-time and consistent attendance!

JAN 7 - GIRLS BASKETBALL GAME CHANGE

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.

RESOURCES for PARENTS

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

SENIOR SUNRISE

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.

BASKETBALL TICKETS SELLERS NEEDED

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

GRANDPARENTS DAY

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! 

HOT LUNCH PROVIDER CHANGE

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. 

GALA STUDENT COMPETITION

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 you nothing but can make a huge difference!)

C. Ask a business near you to donate.* 

Print a letter & give to a local business. This is especially effective at businesses you visit often. Try Sam's Club, your hairdresser, nail salon, family-owned shops and restaurants near your home. (This costs you nothing but can make a huge difference!)

D. Join the Gala acquisition team and ask for donations online (all to count towards your child's class). Sign up here.

 E. Volunteer (a sign-up form will be launched in Feb.)*

STEP 2: Send donation to the office

A. Fill out a donation form (available in office or download paper form or use the online form)

B. Send your donation with donation form to the ALA office no later than March 6.

C. Class reps will tally the total $ of their class’s donations.

CLASS PRIZES:  Seniors vs. Juniors vs. Sophomores vs. Freshmen

1st place (the highest $ value of donations): On Student Service Day, one class will have the afternoon OFF from cleaning projects, with free lunch, games, plus ice cream! 

2nd place: The 2nd place class will receive ice cream on Student Service Day. PLUS you will get to choose your afternoon Student Service Day job. That means you won’t get assigned a job—you get to pick the job you want for the afternoon.

Competition ends: March 6 

* these are ways to help that cost you nothing — except time! 

Download Student Competition flyer (shown below)

SENIOR SUNRISE - MONDAY!

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-

CLASSES RESUME MONDAY JANUARY 5

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. 

WELCOME to our NEWEST COYOTE!

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.