OLIVER!

Purchase tickets for Oliver! performances online. More information can be found at ALAcoyotes.org/Oliver. 

May 1-3 on stage at AZ Lutheran!

FUEL UP FOR A CAUSE - PIZZA FRIDAY IS HERE!

The AZ Lutheran Mission Club is hosting the final pizza lunch of the year to raise money to help cover the costs of upcoming summer mission trips. The last pizza lunch will be on Friday, May 8. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to sign up before next Thursday, May 7. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice.

DECLINE TO SIGN

Please continue to encourage friends and family to oppose attempts to put the “Protect Education, Accountability Now” initiative sponsored by the AZ Education Association and Save Our Schools Arizona and the “Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account Reform and Accountability Act” initiative, sponsored by FortifyAZ, on the November general election ballot.

First and foremost, pray! Pray for the protection of educational freedom in Arizona. Pray that the opposition will NOT collect the necessary signatures. Pray that the opposition will have their hearts changed and see that school choice is about putting students first, not funding school systems. Pray that peoples’ eyes will be opened to the harm this ballot initiative would bring to Arizona students, their families, and our private Christian Schools.

Encourage everyone in your school community to Decline to Sign both petitions. Become informed and share the facts about both initiatives with others.

a. Learn more at https://azlovesesas.com/. This is a great resource!

b. Check out AZCEC’s Action Center to print a Decline to Sign flyer and to share your school choice story. 

c. Read the article from the Goldwater Institute, which breaks down the negative impact this initiative would have on Arizona students and private schools. 

Financially support the Decline to Sign movement by giving to AZ Loves ESA and/or AZCEC. Their efforts cost money, and they need your support to get the word out! Arizona has been one of the top states for school choice for 30 years. This initiative would set educational freedom for Arizona students and families back tremendously.

DRESS SALE - THIS WEEKEND!

Shop at the dress sale before each Oliver performance. 

👗 Over 75 dresses available!
👗 Formal, Prom, & Homecoming styles.
👗 Priced from $10-30.
👗 Held in room 31.
👗 Please bring cash.

 

ACT TEST RESULTS

Parents of juniors - ACT results are in! Your child can access those results online at any time. Today, they also received a printed version of their results. Please take a look at them and discuss with your child. If you have any questions about the results or what they mean, please email Mrs. Stahmann at guidance@ALAcoyotes.org.

DECISION DAY - FRIDAY MAY 1

Seniors, Friday, May 1 is Decision Day -- the day for you to share your plans for next year -- whether that’s a gap year, workforce, military, or college! Wear a t-shirt or hat if you have one that represents your plans. We also have signs & pennants. Stop by the office at lunch on Friday for a photo, cupcake -- and to share your plans!

BLOOD DRIVE - MAY 12

Is donating blood safe? Can people with tattoos donate blood? If you've been reluctant to give blood because of any of these questions, you have nothing to worry about. Check out our Myth Buster https://vit.la/21p495 and put truth behind these tall tales!

Ready to donate? We're hosting a blood drive at Arizona Lutheran Academy on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit https://vit.la/acvu0z to schedule an appointment.

Students ages 16+ can donate blood. Parents, please complete this blood drive consent form for students aged 16-17.

BONUS: Donate May 1-31 to help patients in need and you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of three $10,000 gift cards! Your donation can help save lives in your community. Book your appointment today and learn more at vitalant.org/SpringGiveaway. (Must be 18 or over to qualify for the drawing.)

STATE PLAY-IN GAMES – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 4:00 PM

Come support our teams as they battle to advance to state!

🥎 Softball vs Pima High School – HOME GAME
⚾ Baseball vs Fountain Hills – at McDowell Elementary School

Wear your school colors, bring the energy, and let’s pack the stands! These athletes have worked all season for this moment - let’s show up for them!

TEACHER APPRECIATION - info from the parent coordinator

A note from parents to parents:

You're invited to join the fun of "Around the World" Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week. We're planning breakfast, lunch, school-wide activities, snack delivery, and a gift — just some small ways of saying thanks to our teachers during the week of May 4-8, 2026. 

Senior families: Would you be willing to donate toward the catered lunch?

Ready to help? Learn more and volunteer here.
Give a gift online here: https://alacoyotes.org/support/donate-credit-card/

Questions? Contact coordinator-mom, Erica Breeden at lilpeanut998@yahoo.com.

SENIOR NIGHT TONIGHT - APRIL 27

Join us tonight as we celebrate Senior Night for both baseball and softball!

Softball - played at AZ Lutheran- 4pm:
Our seniors will be recognized immediately following the game.

Baseball - played at Tempe Diablo Stadium - 6pm:
We’ll follow this schedule:
• 5:35 PM – Senior recognition
• 5:45 PM – National Anthem (featuring two grade school groups)
• 5:50 PM – Team introductions
• 6:00 PM – Game begins

Come out and help us recognize our seniors for their hard work and dedication!

CALL UPDATES

Dave Peter announced today that he is accepting the call to serve as the Dean of Student Life at Divine Savior Academy-Sienna Campus in Missouri City, TX. He will conclude this school year, and his family will move to Houston this summer. 

May God bless the Peter family in this transition and AZ Lutheran as we seek to fill our needs for the next school year.

In other call news, Pastor Josh Stahmann has declined his call to Iowa, so Lynnette Stahmann will remain in her position.

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - May 4-8

A note from parents to parents:

You're invited to join the fun of "Around the World" Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week. We're planning breakfast, lunch, school-wide activities, snack delivery, and a gift — just some small ways of saying thanks to our teachers during the week of May 4-8, 2026. 

Ready to help? Learn more and volunteer here.
Give a gift online here: https://alacoyotes.org/support/donate-credit-card/

Questions? Contact coordinator-mom, Erica Breeden at lilpeanut998@yahoo.com.

SPRING SPORTS & GRADUATION T-SHIRTS

Have you seen the new Coyote gear from our Spring Team Shop? Order spring sports and graduation t-shirts by May 12!

STEM COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR

The STEM College & Career Fair at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering fair (ISEF) will be open to Phoenix-area high school students on Sunday, May 10 from 1-4 PM at the Phoenix Convention Center.

This free event gives students the opportunity to connect with 60+ colleges, universities, and STEM organizations—all in one place. Learn more and register here.

'TIS THE SEASON!

...to find host families for our out of town students!

Each year, 10-20% of AZ Lutheran's student population is from outside the Phoenix area. Since we are in the height of our enrollment season for the 2026-2027 school year, we already know we need housing for six incoming Freshmen, in addition to six returning students. This does NOT include our International students that we may have next year. 

While April seems early to think about next school year, it...

1. is easier to communicate now than during the busy month of May or during the summer travel months. 
2. would allow an out-of-town student & family to enter the summer in peace, knowing they have a loving family to stay with in the fall. 
3. gives you extra time to get to know the student you will host and their family in the coming months!

Next steps?

• Email Margy Hartzell at Hartzell@ALAcoyotes.org. She is excited to schedule a phone call or meeting with you to share details about hosting. 
• If you are interested specifically in hosting an International student, please contact Lynnette Stahmann at Internationals@ALAcoyotes.org.

Housing Info Page

ENCOURAGE YOUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Please continue to encourage friends and family to oppose attempts to put the “Protect Education, Accountability Now” initiative sponsored by the AZ Education Association and Save Our Schools Arizona and the “Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account Reform and Accountability Act” initiative, sponsored by FortifyAZ, on the November general election ballot.

First and foremost, pray! Pray for the protection of educational freedom in Arizona. Pray that the opposition will NOT collect the necessary signatures. Pray that the opposition will have their hearts changed and see that school choice is about putting students first, not funding school systems. Pray that peoples’ eyes will be opened to the harm this ballot initiative would bring to Arizona students, their families, and our private Christian Schools.

Encourage everyone in your school community to Decline to Sign both petitions. Become informed and share the facts about both initiatives with others.

a. Learn more at https://azlovesesas.com/. This is a great resource!

b. Check out AZCEC’s Action Center to print a Decline to Sign flyer and to share your school choice story. 

c. Read the article from the Goldwater Institute, which breaks down the negative impact this initiative would have on Arizona students and private schools. 

Financially support the Decline to Sign movement by giving to AZ Loves ESA and/or AZCEC. Their efforts cost money, and they need your support to get the word out! Arizona has been one of the top states for school choice for 30 years. This initiative would set educational freedom for Arizona students and families back tremendously.

OPINION PIECE by ASU Student Journalist

Should Arizona Lutheran Academy add a JV flag football team?

 Read the article by ASU Student Journalist, Madison Bsales, to hear our coaches' and players' opinions.

SCHOOL RESUMES THURSDAY

The water issue has been fixed. School resumes on Thursday, April 23.

WELS YOUTH NIGHT - PHX

WELS Youth Night of Phoenix is back! The next one is

 at Emmanuel, Tempe - Ministry and Education Center
 Saturday, April 25
 for high schoolers (grades 9-12) from across Phoenix (and beyond)
 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
 Pizza, music, God’s Word, and a friendly Nerf war!

Please RSVP by Thursday, April 23.

VOTING FOR "MARCH MADNESS OF POETRY"

Voting for round #3 of the sophomore “March Madness of Poetry” competition is now live.

There are 16 students remaining in the competition. Your votes will help determine who advances to the elite 8.

Voting will end on Friday, April 24th.

Vote now at https://sites.google.com/alacoyotes.org/march-madness-of-poetry-az/home

- Mr. Romsdahl

APRIL 22 - SCHOOL CANCELED

April 22, 7:50am

From President Meyer: "This is the official notice that school has been canceled today because we have no water on campus.

Thieves stole the water meter and pressure regulators from our water main at the front of campus. We cannot turn on the water until that is fixed. We will hopefully get everything handled today."

Watch this blog for further information.

SPRING SPORTS & GRADUATION T-SHIRTS

Orders are now open for spring sports and graduation shirts. We invite families to celebrate these special moments by ordering shirts for their students. Whether cheering from the stands or honoring a graduating senior, these shirts are a great way to show support and school spirit. Please place your order by May 12 to ensure delivery in time for upcoming events.

A NOTE ABOUT TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

A note from parents to parents:

You're invited to join the fun of "Around the World" Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week. We're planning breakfast, lunch, school-wide activities, snack delivery, and a gift — just some small ways of saying thanks to our teachers during the week of May 4-8, 2026. 

Ready to help? Learn more and volunteer here.

Questions? Contact coordinator-mom, Erica Breeden at lilpeanut998@yahoo.com.

BABY WELLS

Levi Wells was born on April 14. He and his mom (Jade) are doing well! Big brother, Malachi, is 16 months old now and getting used to the new face in the house. And dad (Benjy)...well, check out the cute family photo at the link!

https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/0re894/

Also at the link you can sign up to take a meal (starting Sunday, April 26) or contribute toward food gift cards.

Thank you for providing meal support for this growing family. 

This Meal Train was organized by The Lamb of God Lutheran Church Caring Committee.

OLIVER! TICKETS FOR SALE - GET YOURS TODAY!

Tickets for Oliver! performances are now available for purchase online. More information can be found on our website. 

AZ TUITION TAX CREDIT PROGRAM INFORMATION

If you use the AZ Tuition Tax Credit Corporate program for tuition assistance, you might consider applying with: Academic Opportunity of Arizona  Apply now!

PROTECT EDUCATIONAL FREEDOM

Please continue to encourage friends and family to oppose attempts to put the “Protect Education, Accountability Now” initiative sponsored by the AZ Education Association and Save Our Schools Arizona and the “Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account Reform and Accountability Act” initiative, sponsored by FortifyAZ, on the November general election ballot.

First and foremost, pray! Pray for the protection of educational freedom in Arizona. Pray that the opposition will NOT collect the necessary signatures. Pray that the opposition will have their hearts changed and see that school choice is about putting students first, not funding school systems. Pray that peoples’ eyes will be opened to the harm this ballot initiative would bring to Arizona students, their families, and our private Christian Schools.

Encourage everyone in your school community to Decline to Sign both petitions. Become informed and share the facts about both initiatives with others.

a. Learn more at https://azlovesesas.com/. This is a great resource!

b. Check out AZCEC’s Action Center to print a Decline to Sign flyer and to share your school choice story. 

c. Read the article from the Goldwater Institute, which breaks down the negative impact this initiative would have on Arizona students and private schools. 

Financially support the Decline to Sign movement by giving to AZ Loves ESA and/or AZCEC. Their efforts cost money, and they need your support to get the word out! Arizona has been one of the top states for school choice for 30 years. This initiative would set educational freedom for Arizona students and families back tremendously.

CALL NEWS

Ben Priebe is transitioning out of his current role as Director of Mission Advancement and has accepted our call to serve as our “Campaign and Legacy Gifts Officer” for the 2026-27 school year.

• This is a mutually agreed-upon part-time call.
• The role focuses on donor engagement, promoting Building Tomorrow, managing legacy giving and estate planning, and continuing to build relationships within our Federation.
• AZ Lutheran leadership is in the process of evaluating the staffing of our mission advancement team roles moving forward.

We pray that God continues to bless Ben's work with our donors and friends. Please contact President Doug Meyer with your questions.

CALL NEWS

• The AZ Lutheran Board of Directors has called Ben Priebe to serve as “Campaign and Legacy Gifts Officer”
• This is a mutually agreed-upon part-time call
• The role focuses on donor engagement, promoting Building Tomorrow, managing legacy giving and estate planning, and continuing to build relationships within our Federation
• AZ Lutheran leadership is in the process of evaluating the staffing of our mission advancement team roles moving forward

Please contact President Doug Meyer with your questions.

ARIZONAL LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION APPLICATION OPEN

The 2026-27 Scholarship Application for the Arizona Leadership Foundation is now available. Apply today! 

The Tip Sheet and Scholarship Flyer provide additional information.

BLOOD DRIVE

Join us for a blood drive at Arizona Lutheran Academy on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit https://vit.la/acvu0z to schedule an appointment.

{This flier was created by Vitalant, and our address is shown incorrectly. We're on 27th Ave.}

WELS YOUTH NIGHT

WELS Youth Night of Phoenix is back! The next one is

at Emmanuel, Tempe - Ministry and Education Center
Saturday, April 25
for high schoolers (grades 9-12) from across Phx (and beyond)
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Pizza, music, God’s Word, and a friendly Nerf war!

To ensure we have enough food, please RSVP by Thursday, April 23.

NEWEST COYOTE

Congratulations to Benjy and Jade Wells who welcomed Levi Michael into their family last night!

BASEBALL LIVESTREAM FRIDAY

Epic Sports Network will broadcast our Friday, 4.17.26, baseball game at Scottsdale Christian Academy. The game will be LIVE at 3:45pm on the ESN YouTube Channel and NFHS Network. 

The game is free to watch LIVE and On-Demand on YouTube: 
https://youtube.com/live/n_M-l5O61J4?feature=share

NFHS Network: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/epic-sports/gamfbf4e5003b

(A subscription is typically required for NFHS games.)

SENIOR CLASS TRIP EXCITEMENT!

 

Would you consider a donation by April 30 to help the seniors reach their goal?

Every donor who gives $50 by April 30 will be entered to win a week-long stay at a Club Wyndham timeshare! This week was donated by one of our senior's generous parents.

 

Learn more.

MAP TEST AND BLOCK SCHEDULE

On Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15, Freshmen and Sophomores will be participating in MAP testing. Students should bring fully charged Chromebooks. We will be observing a block schedule on both days. 

We ask that you encourage punctuality and avoid absences on these days. 

GALA SURVEY

Please share your thoughts on the 2026 Gala in this survey. We'd be ever so thankful if you completed it between now and April 19.

Did you miss it? Read the 2026 Gala recap.

POETRY COMPETITION

The sophomores have submitted their poems for round 2 of their March Madness of Poetry competition. Would you take a few moments to vote? This round's poems focus on CHANGE.

https://sites.google.com/alacoyotes.org/march-madness-of-poetry-az/home

We'd appreciate your help!

—Mr. Romsdahl

OLIVER!

Oliver!, a musical by Lionel Bart, based upon the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, will hit the AZ Lutheran stage on May 1-3. For the first time ever, seats can be reserved with your online ticket purchase.

>> Read more about the show & find the ticket link in this article by freshman, Nora.

YOU CAN HELP KEEP ESA

There are several things everyone can do immediately to encourage friends and family to oppose attempts to put the “Protect Education, Accountability Now” initiative sponsored by the AZ Education Association and Save Our Schools Arizona and the “Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account Reform and Accountability Act” initiative, sponsored by FortifyAZ, on the November general election ballot.

First and foremost, pray! Pray for the protection of educational freedom in Arizona. Pray that the opposition will NOT collect the necessary signatures. Pray that the opposition will have their hearts changed and see that school choice is about putting students first, not funding school systems. Pray that peoples’ eyes will be opened to the harm this ballot initiative would bring to Arizona students, their families, and our private Christian Schools.

Encourage everyone in your school community to Decline to Sign both petitions. Become informed and share the facts about both initiatives with others.

a. Learn more at https://azlovesesas.com/. This is a great resource!

b. Check out AZCEC’s Action Center to print a Decline to Sign flyer and to share your school choice story. 

c. Read the article from the Goldwater Institute, which breaks down the negative impact this initiative would have on Arizona students and private schools. 

Financially support the Decline to Sign movement by giving to AZ Loves ESA and/or AZCEC. Their efforts cost money, and they need your support to get the word out! Arizona has been one of the top states for school choice for 30 years. This initiative would set educational freedom for Arizona students and families back tremendously.

PIZZA THIS FRIDAY

The AZ Lutheran Mission Club is hosting another pizza lunch to raise money to help cover costs of upcoming summer mission trips. The next pizza lunch will be on Friday, April 10. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to fill out the online form before Thursday, April 9, at noon. 

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

ATTENTION JUNIOR PARENTS

The Enchanted Evening Prom 2026 is nearly here. Held at The View at 55th Place in Mesa, the prom will be a wonderful event highlighting our juniors and seniors. As hosts of the prom, the Junior Class Prom Committee is asking parents to consider volunteering for one or more aspects of the grand event on April 18, 2026.
Please complete this form by April 9, 2026, to indicate your willingness.

PIZZA, PIZZA!

The AZ Lutheran Mission Club is hosting another pizza lunch to raise money to help cover costs of upcoming summer mission trips. The next pizza lunch will be on Friday, April 10. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to sign up before this Thursday, April 9, at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice.

OLIVER! TICKETS

Tickets for Oliver! performances are now available for purchase online via THIS link. More information can be found HERE. 

SENIOR CLASS PHOTO - REMINDER

The Class of 2026 class photo will be taken on April 7, on campus. Seniors will receive their cap and gown on that day and will take them home after the photo. Ladies should be mindful of how they style their hair that day, and bring bobby pins to secure the caps; gentlemen should be mindful of the top they wear for the photo. 

NO SCHOOL AND LATE START REMINDER

Reminder that there is no school on Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, in observance of Easter. We will resume on Tuesday, April 7, with a late start. 

CALL RECEIVED

Dave Peter received a call to serve as the Dean of Student Life at Divine Savior Academy — Sienna Campus in Missouri City, Texas. This is part of the Divine Savior school system, which began and is headquartered in Doral, Florida. Sienna is on the south side of Houston.

Additionally, Pastor Josh Stahmann, husband of our international coordinator, Lynnette Stahmann, has received a call to Oskaloosa, Iowa.
 

Please keep them in your prayers as they consider these calls. 

PIZZA FRIDAY RETURNS!

The AZ Lutheran Mission Club is hosting another pizza lunch to raise money to help cover costs of upcoming summer mission trips. The next pizza lunch will be on Friday, April 10. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to sign up before next Thursday, April 9, at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice.

PROTECT EDUCATIONAL FREEDOM

There are several things everyone can do immediately to encourage friends and family to oppose attempts to put the “Protect Education, Accountability Now” initiative sponsored by the AZ Education Association and Save Our Schools Arizona and the “Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account Reform and Accountability Act” initiative, sponsored by FortifyAZ, on the November general election ballot.

First and foremost, pray! Pray for the protection of educational freedom in Arizona. Pray that the opposition will NOT collect the necessary signatures. Pray that the opposition will have their hearts changed and see that school choice is about putting students first, not funding school systems. Pray that peoples’ eyes will be opened to the harm this ballot initiative would bring to Arizona students, their families, and our private Christian Schools.

Encourage everyone in your school community to Decline to Sign both petitions. Become informed and share the facts about both initiatives with others.

a. Learn more at https://azlovesesas.com/. This is a great resource!

b. Check out AZCEC’s Action Center to print a Decline to Sign flyer and to share your school choice story. 

c. Read the article from the Goldwater Institute, which breaks down the negative impact this initiative would have on Arizona students and private schools. 

Financially support the Decline to Sign movement by giving to AZ Loves ESA and/or AZCEC. Their efforts cost money, and they need your support to get the word out! Arizona has been one of the top states for school choice for 30 years. This initiative would set educational freedom for Arizona students and families back tremendously.

WOW! GAME SHOW GALA 2026 RECAP

This year’s Game Show Gala set out to support key campus improvements that directly impact the Arizona Lutheran experience for our students and families. Through your incredible generosity, we not only reached our goal but surpassed it, raising over $152,000 in gifts.

With a record number of sponsors, an all-time high in the paddle raise, and a fast-paced Dessert Dash, God’s people showed up in a powerful way.

That means all three of our critical projects — exterior paint for ‘86 buildings, a new marquee, and enhanced branding and signage – will be completed in time for the 2026-27 school year!

We are truly overwhelmed with thankfulness — thankfulness to our Lord for his abundant blessings, to our supporters for their faithful generosity, and to our students, families, and faculty who make AZ Lutheran such a special place.

Thank you for making the Game Show Gala one to remember!

Save the date for our 16th annual Gala: Saturday, March 20, 2027.

Re-live the GAME SHOW fun in this highlight reel by Ella Parsons!

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.
• Spring Sports photos have recently been added.
• Free to download and share!
• We will continue to add photos, so bookmark it and visit often.

SPRING SPORTS & GRADUATION SHIRTS

Orders are now open for spring sports and graduation shirts. We invite families to celebrate these special moments by ordering shirts for their students. Whether cheering from the stands or honoring a graduating senior, these shirts are a great way to show support and school spirit. Please place your order by May 12 to ensure delivery in time for upcoming events.

PHOENIX CHILDREN'S TEEN COUNCIL PROGRAM

This program provides an exciting opportunity for teens to build leadership skills, give back, and make a real impact in our community during the 2026 school year. More information here. Applications are now open.

Please note: Spots are limited, and applications will close once capacity is reached—so interested teens are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.