Saturday, February 28, 2026

BUS DRIVER STILL NEEDED

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


SPRING SPORTS PHOTOS

Please remember to bring all equipment and full uniforms on your scheduled photo day.

March 3 – Baseball & Track
  • Baseball
    • Varsity: Team, individual, and senior group photos
    • JV: Team photo only
  • Track
    • Senior individual photos
    • Senior group photo
    • Team Photo
March 4 – Softball
  • Varsity: Team, individual, and senior group photos
  • JV: Team photo only
March 11 – Golf
  • Senior individual photo
  • Senior group photo
  • Team photo

 

WRESTLING GEAR RETURN – MONDAY, MARCH 2

Wrestling gear is due back at the school on Monday morning, 3/2. Coach Renee will be here starting at 8am to collect all gear in the Den. Please remember to wash your items before returning them.


Friday, February 27, 2026

AZ LUTHERAN TUITION ASSISTANCE

The application to apply for tuition assistance from AZ Lutheran is now ready and available online. Applications are due May 15, 2026. Application is found on the Resources page of our website: AZ Lutheran Tuition Assistance


Thursday, February 26, 2026

ARE YOU A DONOR?

Some of you depend on Tax Credit scholarships from STOs to help with your tuition. YOU CAN BE A DONOR! Please consider this vital step. You’re helping a student attend AZ Lutheran. Questions, contact Michelle Meyer. Admissions@ALAcoyotes.org 602-268-8686 x140


SENIOR EARLY DISMISSAL ON FRIDAY

Related to the Course Selection for returning students, seniors will be dismissed early from class on Friday.  Their school day will end at 2:16pm. With the exception of those who have missing work, they will be required to stay in room 30 and finish their work. 


COURSE SELECTION

The Course Selection process for next school year will begin on Friday, Feb. 27. Students in each grade level will meet for a presentation reviewing graduation requirements, required courses, electives offered, and more. Students have a month before they make final decisions about classes. Students will take a photo of the guide form to help them review their options and share it with you. You can assist your son/daughter, help direct them, and encourage them so they are ready to make final choices in PowerSchool on March 26.


Wednesday, February 25, 2026

SENIORS: PHOTOS NEEDED by MARCH 1

 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).


SEEKING GALA BAKERS and VOLUNTEERS

We are seeking volunteers for the Gala. 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 15 more 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.
  • Learn more and sign up here.

Can you make decorative baskets?
We have lots of items for our baskets, but we need volunteers to make them look pretty! Learn more & volunteer.




And, we have a variety of volunteer opportunities for set up (3/27), clean up (3/29), and at the Gala (3/28):

If you could possibly help in any of these areaslearn more & volunteer.

And reach out to Jen Bode with all of your questions! (JBode@ALAcoyotes.org or 602-268-8686 ext. 137) 



Tuesday, February 24, 2026

THURSDAY MODIFIED SCHEDULE - PLEASE READ

GIRLS have advanced to the final four of the 2A State Basketball Tournament!


We would love to pack the stands for the game! To allow students to attend the game, we are dismissing early on Thursday, 2/26/25. The revised schedule is below.

Thursday Schedule:
8:00 - 8:30 A Period
8:33 - 8:59 B Period
9:02 - 9:28 C Period
9:31 - 9:57 D Period
9:57 - 10:23 CHAPEL and BREAK
10:23 - 10:49 E Period
10:52 - 11:18 F Period
11:21 - 11:47 G Period
11:50 - 12:16 H Period
12:16 dismissal

*students bring bag lunch
*when class is dismissed student to ins go immediately to the buses


TICKETS:
The athletic dept. is willing to pay for student tickets!
AZ Lutheran students who wish to take advantage of getting their tickets paid, please meet Coach Peter at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum ticket gate by 12:40 pm.

TRANSPORTATION:
We will offer transportation using school vans to a limited number of students. Students can request a ride on the Google form in the SOAP Google classroom.
  • Students who don't attend the game should get picked up from school by 12:30 pm.
  • Afternoon bus riders, students in drama or a spring sport should plan to attend and sign up.  
 
HELP NEEDED! Parents, are you able to drive students to the game on Thursday at VMC for girls' playoff basketball? If you are able, please complete this form by 9:00 am on Wednesday morning.
  • Depending on the need, we may need your help in transporting AZ Lutheran students to support our girls' basketball team on Thursday.
  • Perk! Your parking and admission fee will be covered.
  • Coach Peter will communicate with you and if your help is needed, you would need to be at Arizona Lutheran by 12:10 and we will leave campus promptly by 12:20.

These same vehicles will transport everyone back to campus after the game is over.

After-school buses will depart for Grace and Emmanuel at their normal time.

Can’t attend a mid-day game?
  • Follow us on social media during the game for score updates.
  • NFHS will stream the game. Find the link on the bracket. A subscription is required. In the past, the NFHS stream has been spotty.

Go Coyotes!

Monday, February 23, 2026

STATE BASKETBALL

GIRLS (#6) win in OT of the quarterfinals and are headed to the final four of the 2A State Tournament!
  • Thursday, Feb 26 | 1pm
  • Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum
  • tickets at GoFan
  • streamed on NFHS (with paid subscription)

SPRING SPORTS MEETINGS REMINDER

SPRING SPORTS MEETING – TOMORROW, FEBRUARY 24

All parents and athletes participating in a spring sport are asked to attend the Spring Sports Meeting tomorrow at 6pm in the gym.

Following the general meeting, each team will meet separately in designated locations to receive sport-specific information:
  • Baseball - room 14
  • Golf - room 20
  • Softball - room 2
  • Track - room 15

SCHOOL CHOICE PETITION

ESAs help thousands of Arizona families access Christian education. A ballot petition is underway that could restrict those options. Please stay informed and decline to sign. 

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:

 

Friday, February 20, 2026

TUITION ASSISTANCE APPLICATION NIGHT

Do you need help with tuition assistance applications? Come and get help!

Monday, March 9, 6pm, Room 15



Thursday, February 19, 2026

STATE WRESTLING

Boys – Division IV, Section I
Girls – Division II, Section II


Date: Friday and Saturday, February 20-21
Location: Veterans Memorial Coliseum
1826 W McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Note: Clear bag policy 


Admission:

Adults: $20.00
Students (with High School ID): $7.50
Children five and under: Free
Parking: (typically $12-20)

Purchase tickets through GoFan ahead of time or at the gate

Streaming: Matches will be streamed on NFHSNetwork.com (Subscription required)


BOYS & GIRLS QUARTERFINALS

Boys Quarterfinals – 2A State Tournament


Girls 2A Quarterfinals

  • Saturday, Feb. 21 | 5pm
  • Girls (#6) at Mohave Accelerated Learning Center (#3)
  • Family passes not valid | tickets at GoFan
  • not streamed

PARENT EMAIL SURVEYS

Reminder: Parent email surveys will hit your inboxes during the spring months. We are grateful for your feedback.


DEADLINE TO SIGN UP TODAY!

First of its kind at AZ Lutheran — Car Maintenance morning!

This event is important to anyone who drives a car. For the first time, Build Up will lead a car maintenance event on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00am to noon. Learn how to change tires and to change your oil. Our mentors are ready to guide you in gaining this life skill.

Bring your car along with the following items:

  • Your owner's manual
  • The proper amount and kind of oil (refer to your owner's manual)
  • The proper oil filter (refer to your owner's manual)
  • Your car's jack for tire changing.

Deadline to sign up is Thursday, February 19, at 3:00pm.


Wednesday, February 18, 2026

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, February 20. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to sign up before next Thursday, February 19, at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice.


FOUNDATIONS OF INVESTING WORKSHOP

Don't miss this free workshop 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.

>> Read more & RSVP.


ARE YOU A DONOR?

Some of you depend on Tax Credit scholarships from STOs to help with your tuition. YOU CAN BE A DONOR! Please consider this vital step. You’re helping a student attend AZ Lutheran. Questions, contact Michelle Meyer. Admissions@ALAcoyotes.org 602-268-8686 x140


GALA DONATIONS - post 4

Last week, you should have recently received an email written by a parent in your child's class. This is a review of that email.

2026-27 RE-ENROLLMENT FORM DUE THIS FRIDAY

Parents and guardians, if your student is returning to AZ Lutheran for the 2026-27 school year, please complete the re-enrollment form emailed on February 6 by this Friday, February 20. The form is also linked HERE for your convenience. 


Tuesday, February 17, 2026

CAR MAINTENANCE SKILLS MORNING

First of its kind at AZ Lutheran! 

This event is important to anyone who drives a car. For the first time, Build Up will lead a car maintenance event on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00am to noon. Learn how to change tires and to change your oil. Our mentors are ready to guide you in gaining this life skill.

Bring your car along with the following items:
  • Your owner's manual
  • The proper amount and kind of oil (refer to your owner's manual)
  • The proper oil filter (refer to your owner's manual)
  • Your car's jack for tire changing.
Deadline to sign up is Thursday, February 19, at 3:00pm.

 

2A STATE BOYS BASKETBALL - ROUND 1

Boys Round 1 – 2A State Tournament (visit this page for bracket and tickets)

  • TONIGHT — Tuesday, Feb. 17 | at home vs. Phx Christian (#13) | 7pm
  • Family passes not valid | Tickets via GoFan 
  • The athletic dept is covering the cost of students' tickets!
  • Not streamed

2A STATE GIRLS BASKETBALL - ROUND 1

Girls Round 1 – 2A State Tournament (visit this page for bracket and tickets)
  • Wednesday, Feb. 18 | at home vs. Lincoln Prep (#11) | 7pm
  • Family passes not valid | Tickets at GoFan
  • The athletic dept is covering the cost of students' tickets!
  • Not streamed

Monday, February 16, 2026

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, February 20. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to sign up before next Thursday, February 19, at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice.


Sunday, February 15, 2026

WEDDING PRAYERS

We are pleased to announce the Christian wedding of our teacher, Jenny Proeber, to Israel Orellana today, February 15, 2026. They have been engaged for quite some time but were awaiting US visa approval for Israel and his son. They have arrived! Please rejoice with them and uphold them in your prayers!


Saturday, February 14, 2026

CAR MAINTENANCE SKILLS CLINIC

This event is important to anyone who drives a car. For the first time, Build Up will lead a car maintenance event on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00am to noon. Learn how to change tires and to change your oil. Our mentors are ready to guide you in gaining this life skill.

Bring your car along with the following items:
  • Your owner's manual
  • The proper amount and kind of oil (refer to your owner's manual)
  • The proper oil filter (refer to your owner's manual)
  • Your car's jack for tire changing.
Deadline to sign up is Thursday, February 19, at 3:00pm.

Friday, February 13, 2026

BUS DRIVER NEEDED

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


Thursday, February 12, 2026

LATE START REMINDER

There is no school on Friday, February 13, or Monday, February 16. School resumes Tuesday, February 17, with a late start. 


GET READY FOR 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, February 20. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to sign up before next Thursday, February 19, at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice.


SENIORS: 2 PHOTOS NEEDED by MARCH 1

 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.

Questions? Contact Jenni Petersen (Petersen@ALAcoyotes.org) or Jen Bode (JBode@ALAcoyotes.org).


AUCTION ITEMS ARE ARRIVING!

The gifts from our Amazon Wish List are rolling in—almost half have been purchased already! Thanks to all who've donated so far. These will be wonderful additions to our auction baskets at the Gala.

Tax deductible gift:
Because we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. When you purchase an item from our Amazon Wish List, it is considered an "in-kind" (non-cash) donation. To claim this on your taxes, you should keep your Amazon purchase confirmation as proof of the item's cost, as the IRS requires donors to determine the "fair market value" of non-cash gifts. Additionally, we will provide a written acknowledgment for your records to help you with your annual filing.

Question:
One Amazon gift arrived from Cassy (England) Forbis & Matt Forbis, but we don't have a way to thank them. If you know them, please reach out to them to thank them on our behalf, and let us know so we can send them a written acknowledgment for their records. (Contact Jen Bode at JBode@ALAcoyotes.org). 

EVERY gift will raise funds for our campus improvements AND counts towards the Gala Homeroom Competition. Thanks again for your support of the Gala!

POLICE & FIRE CAREER EXPERIENCE

Join the Phoenix Police and Fire Departments for an action-packed, interactive recruitment event and discover if a career in public safety is right for you! 

When: Saturday, March 7th, from 9 AM to 12 PM
Where: Phoenix Fire Training Academy, 2425 W. Lower Buckey Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85009

Here's what you can expect:
  •  Simulated Scenarios: Realistic simulations of police and fire operations.
  •  Equipment Demonstrations: Get up close with cutting-edge police and fire equipment.
  •  Meet & Greet: Talk directly with current Phoenix police officers, firefighters, dispatchers, and crime scene specialists.
Learn more at joinphxpd.com/events


Wednesday, February 11, 2026

FIRST OF ITS KIND - CAR MAINTENANCE MORNING!

First of its kind at AZ Lutheran! Car Maintenance morning

This event is important to anyone who drives a car. For the first time, Build Up will lead a car maintenance event on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00am to noon. Learn how to change tires and to change your oil. Our mentors are ready to guide you in gaining this life skill.

Bring your car along with the following items:
  • Your owner's manual
  • The proper amount and kind of oil (refer to your owner's manual)
  • The proper oil filter (refer to your owner's manual)
  • Your car's jack for tire changing.
Deadline to sign up is Thursday, February 19, at 3:00pm.


QUESTBRIDGE COLLEGE PREP SCHOLARS PROGRAM

If you have a student who is a junior, has a 3.75 GPA or higher, and your family income is $65,000 or less, QuestBridge offers a great college prep program with high-value scholarships available. If you think your child might qualify, check out the QuestBridge website. Application deadline is March 24, 2026.


SCHOOL CHOICE PETITION

Dear families,

A petition effort is currently underway that could significantly limit Educational Savings Accounts (ESA) and negatively impact families across Arizona who rely on school choice to access Christian education.

This effort will require over 255,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot. We want our Arizona Lutheran families to be well informed before you are asked to sign. The most important step right now is simple: families must understand what is at stake and decline to sign.


Please contact Principal Rosenbaum or me with questions.

—Doug Meyer
AZ Lutheran President









GIRLS STATE BASKETBALL - THURSDAY AT HOME

Girls 2A State Basketball Play-In Game
The streaming info — that's for the grandparents and friends who live out of State. If you live in AZ, let's fill the stands! We need the Hype Zone to be loud!



CALL UPDATE

Benjy Wells has informed us that he is returning the call to Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. We thank the Lord that he will remain teaching at AZ Lutheran!


Tuesday, February 10, 2026

BOYS STATE BASKETBALL - ROUND 1

Boys State Basketball Round 1 – Copper Div. State Tournament
The streaming info — that's for the grandparents and friends who live out of State. If you live in AZ, let's fill the stands! We need the Hype Zone to be loud!




FEBRUARY VIDEO UPDATE

What's new this winter? Watch the latest video update from President Doug Meyer, including...
  • Baptisms! 
  • Scholarship blessings
  • Athletic highlights 
  • Spring events




Monday, February 9, 2026

BASKETBALL STATE GAMES

Boys enter the Copper Div. State Tournament


Girls 2A Play-In Game (NEW start time)

  • Feb. 12 | at home | 6pm
  • Family passes not valid | purchase tickets at the door using cash or card

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:


JOIN US FOR A FINANCIAL PLANNING SEMINAR

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.


SCHOOL 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.
  • Grandparents Day and Senior Night photos have recently been added.
  • Free to download and share!
  • We will continue to add photos, so bookmark it and visit often.

Friday, February 6, 2026

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



STATE WRESTLING SECTIONALS

Girls – Division II, Section II

Date: Saturday, February 7
Location: Moon Valley High School
3625 W. Cactus Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85029

Boys – Division IV, Section I

Date: Saturday, February 14
Location: Buckeye High School
1000 E. Narramore Ave.
Buckeye, AZ 85326

Admissions
Adults: $12.00
Students (with High School ID): $6.00
Children five and under: Free


Thursday, February 5, 2026

WRESTLING 2025-26 HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

Take a couple minutes to watch this wrestling highlight reel by sibling wrestlers, Ben & Ella Parsons— a glimpse of the heart our wrestling team has shown all season.

Watch on YouTube

Watch on Facebook

Watch on Instagram

And now, we’re heading into the post-season. Let's Go 'Yotes!

Mark your calendars:
📍 Sectionals: February 7 (girls)
📍 Sectionals: February 14 (guys)
📍 State: February 19–21

Come out and support our 'Yotes on the mats!



Wednesday, February 4, 2026

ARE YOU A DONOR?

Some of you depend on Tax Credit scholarships from STOs to help with your tuition. YOU CAN BE A DONOR! Please consider this vital step. You’re helping a student attend AZ Lutheran. Questions, contact Michelle Meyer. Admissions@ALAcoyotes.org 602-268-8686 x140


Tuesday, February 3, 2026

SPRING SPORTS REGISTRATION DUE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Baseball, Golf, Softball, & Track

Register your child for the 2025–26 spring sports programs using a single registration link. If your child has already been registered at any point during the school year, no additional registration is required.

To add or change a sport to an existing registration, please contact Mrs. Solofra at Solofra@ALAcoyotes.org for assistance.

Important: All athletes must have a valid 2025–26 AIA Sports Physical on file to participate.

Registration Steps:

Click here if you already have an existing ArbiterSports account.

Click here if you need to create a new ArbiterSports account.

 


Monday, February 2, 2026

ASU VISIT OPPORTUNITIES

If your child is considering attending ASU in the future, you may want to arrange a campus visit. Spring of junior year or even sophomore year is a great time for a visit. ASU offers two types of visit opportunities: Experience ASU and Sun Devil Days. To participate in these visits, see this website for more information and to register.


PHOENIX ZOO TEEN CAREER CONFERENCE

Is your teen interested in a career with animals and wildlife? The Phoenix Zoo is offering a Teen Career Conference on Saturday, February 21. Highlights include 30-minute job rotations with Phoenix Zoo staff, a walking tour, an expert panel, and a resume-building workshop! 

There is a $30 fee for the day. Click here for more information and registration. Space is limited, so register soon!


COLLEGE FAIRS

The Rocky Mountain Association for College Admission Counseling (RMACAC) provides college fairs for you to attend free of charge to find out more information about college options. There are several spring fairs coming up in Arizona - Phoenix East on Feb 28, Phoenix West on March 1, or Tucson on March 2

Over 50 colleges and universities will be represented. Fairs are a great way to collect information and talk with admissions counselors about a wide variety of schools, all in one location. Fairs are free, but do require advance registration. Click on the links above for more information and to register.