TICKET GATE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FLAG FOOTBALL!

We’ve added a ticket gate for all home flag football games this season, which means we need your help! We’re looking for parent volunteers to staff the gate and sell tickets. Please take a moment to review the open slots and sign up to support our Coyotes!

2027 EUROPE TRIP MEETING

There is an organizational meeting on Wednesday night at 6:00 pm for the 2027 Europe trip. This is for all students who paid the deposit. We would like one parent to attend as well so we can answer all questions. 

We have 2 or 3 spots open for other interested students who did not sign up during the summer. If you are interested in going on the trip, talk to Mr. Meyer and plan on attending the meeting.

BUILD UP AZ REMINDER

We met with all students who are not in a fall sport and introduced Build Up AZ. This program is familiar to most of you, and for new families, there was a brief introduction at New Student Orientation.

We have faithful, dedicated mentors who would love to spend some time with your child to teach them about tool safety and building things. These are terrific life skills, and they’re offering their services free of charge! And if you as parents want to be a part, you would be welcome too!

We have four dates coming up in September to be held after school, 3:15-5:15. We are asking for a commitment to attend at least three of the four to get a full taste of what this can offer. Non-sports students would have the time to be a part of this opportunity.

September dates: 9/8, 9/10, 9/15, 9/17

Please sign up on this Build Up interest form by September 4.

COYOTE FALL SPORTS GEAR

The Fall Team Shop is now open! Grab your new Coyote fall sports gear before the shop closes on December 14, 2026.

FOOTBALL STREAMING 8.28.26

According to the Willcox athletic dept, the football game is set to be streamed tonight (8.28.26) by CoolFM on YouTube.

Please note that we cannot guarantee streaming quality.

JUNIORS AND SENIORS CONSIDERING ASU

ASU has a number of opportunities for you to learn more about its programs. Upcoming Sun Devil Days, held on each of the campuses, are one-day visits with tours and informational sessions. Other tour opportunities are also included in the above link. You can also schedule a virtual appointment with an ASU admissions counselor at any time.

SEEKING LOCKER DECORATORS!

Do you like to create craft projects? Want to make locker decorations?

Student Council is seeking creative people to make a paper locker decoration customized for each athlete & manager in each program. 

• It should adhere to the locker with a magnet. (No stickers or tape) 
• Create one per athlete & manager and list name & sport.
• Width = about 4-8 inches. 
• Contact Mrs. Solofra for team roster. 
• Deadline: please bring to school by 9/25 and Student Council can help hang them.

Printed designs and paper crafts shown above from last year. Sizes vary. 

Volunteer here.

PARENTPULSE SURVEYS

At AZ Lutheran, we seek to constantly evaluate our school from multiple perspectives, all in an effort to make this an even better place for your child and your family.

Because the parent perspective is so important to us, we've partnered with ParentPulse, a company that specializes in collecting feedback for schools. You can learn more by watching a 60-second video at https://www.parentpulse.com/school-explainer.

Going forward, each parent in our school will receive an invitation every few months to respond to a short survey. These surveys will be staggered – parents will receive the invitations via e-mail or text at different times.

We simply ask that you'd take five minutes to complete the survey. Many schools only send one (longer) survey each year, but we want to capture your thoughts and feelings in shorter surveys – and at multiple points over the year – so we can understand how things are evolving and how we can best adapt!

So, please be on the lookout for an e-mail or text from ParentPulse. The subject line will clearly identify AZ Lutheran.

The information you provide is collected solely for our analysis, and your personal contact information will not be used or shared by ParentPulse.

Thank you for partnering with us in education!

 

ATTENTION FRESHMEN PARENTS

Calling all enthusiastic, creative, and responsible freshmen! The Student Council is looking for three students to represent the class of 2030 as we plan and execute various fun activities for the rest of our Coyote family this year. If your student is interested in being a leading voice for his/her classmates, they should talk to Mrs. Orellana in Room 6. All completed applications must be submitted by Friday, September 4.

BUILD UP AZ

Today we met with all students who are not in a fall sport and introduced Build Up AZ. This program is familiar to most of you, and for new families, there was a brief introduction at New Student Orientation.

We have faithful, dedicated mentors who would love to spend some time with your child to teach them about tool safety and building things. These are terrific life skills, and they’re offering their services free of charge! And if you as parents want to be a part, you would be welcome too!

We have four dates coming up in September to be held after school, 3:15-5:15. We are asking for a commitment to attend at least three of the four to get a full taste of what this can offer. Non-sports students would have the time to be a part of this opportunity.

September dates: 9/8, 9/10, 9/15, 9/17

Please sign up here by September 4.

VOLUNTEER NEEDED FOR VOLLEYBALL ON THURSDAY AUGUST 27

We still need a parent volunteer to manage the ticket gate for this Thursday’s volleyball home game! It’s a great way to meet other parents and a huge help in keeping our game nights running smoothly.

• Time: Arrive at 4:45 PM (sell through the end of the first varsity set)
• Perks: Front-row seat to the Coyotes action!

👉 Click here to sign up for a shift!

CHEER PICTURES - NEW DATE

Cheer Pictures have been rescheduled for Thursday, September 3, 3:30 pm

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 (Volleyball, Football, and Flag Football) or
Seniors (Cross Country and Cheer)
3. Senior Group Picture (for the senior banner)

Note: Individual photos will not be taken of all freshmen, sophomores, or juniors.

LAST CHANCE FOR PIZZA!

AZ Lutheran’s Mission Club is once again hosting pizza lunches to raise money to help cover the costs of upcoming summer mission trips. The first pizza lunch of the year will be Friday, August 28. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to sign up before THIS Thursday, August 27, at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice. To help beat the heat, $1 ice cream will also be available. See the sign up for more details. 

HOME GAMES

COME CHEER FOR YOUR 'YOTES!

Home game info for volleyball (Home opener tonight, 8.26.26.)

Home game info for tackle football (Next home game is Thursday, 9.3.26)

Home game info for flag football (Home opener 9.17.26.)

The pages above link to AZPreps365.com, which is the official digital media home of the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA), making it an essential hub for any Coyote fan looking to keep up during the season. Bookmark your favorite pages for

• Game updates & scores
• Official AIA rankings & standings
• Team schedules

JV FOOTBALL PHOTOS

Kevin French, Sports Photographer and MaxPreps Contributor, photographed our JV football game on 8/25/26. >>View photo gallery. Please be aware that there is a cost to download and use each photo.

Coming soon: photos from our own parent-photographer.

HYPE ZONE THEMES

Student Council invites students (and parents) to dress up for home game Hype Zone theme nights! If you see unique lines like "USA Night" on the calendar, it's an indicator of what Student Council's Hype Zone theme is that night. 

Student Council members are working on additional theme nights and will publish them as soon as the schedule is decided. In case you want to plan ahead, some future themes they are (tentatively) planning include:

• Camo Night
• Minion Night
• Western Night

JUNIOR COYOTE CHEER CAMP

Girls in grades K-8 will learn cheers, jumps, basic stunting and tumbling skills. Girls should wear athletic clothes and tennis shoes. A snack will be provided, and all girls will receive a cheer hair bow.

• Saturday, September 12, in the AZ Lutheran Den
• $30 per camper. Register today!
• Grades K-3, 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
• Parents are invited back to watch the girls showcase a short routine at 3:45 PM
• Grades 4-8, 4:30 PM-6:30 PM
• Girls will be invited to perform 1st quarter cheers with the AZ Lutheran cheerleaders and a halftime routine on September 17 during the home flag football game at 6:00 PM.

If you have any questions, contact List@ALAcoyotes.org.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY THIS THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

We need a parent volunteer to manage the ticket gate for this Thursday’s volleyball home game! It’s a great way to meet other parents and a huge help in keeping our game nights running smoothly.

Time: Arrive at 4:45 PM (sell through the end of the first varsity set)

Perks: Front-row seat to the Coyotes action!

👉 Click here to sign up for a shift!

FALL SPORTS PICTURES

Wednesday, August 26 – Cross Country, Flag Football, & Football

Friday, August 28 – Cheer & Volleyball

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 (Volleyball, Football, and Flag Football) or
              Seniors (Cross Country and Cheer)
          3. Senior Group Picture (for the senior banner)

Note: Individual photos will not be taken of all freshmen, sophomores, or juniors.

 

PIZZA, PIZZA!

AZ Lutheran’s Mission Club is once again hosting pizza lunches to raise money to help cover the costs of upcoming summer mission trips. The first pizza lunch of the year will be Friday, August 28. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to sign up before next Thursday, August 27, at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice. To help beat the heat, $1 ice cream will also be available. See the sign up for more details.

ARE YOU A PHOTOGRAPHER?

As you head to fall sporting events....

Did you capture a great action shot or a post-game team photo? Maybe you caught a sunset over the football field? Our school photographers only make it to a handful of competitions, and some of our Digital Media students are brand new photographers, so we'd love to see and share your photos. 

Send photos or videos (any event, all year long) to Photos@ALAcoyotes.org.

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS DUE TO PHOENIX WATER CONSTRUCTION

Please be aware that Southern Ave. will be reduced to one westbound lane between 19th Ave. and 27th Ave., and left turns will be restricted onto Southbound 27th Ave. from August 24 to September 30.

Please take this into consideration when planning your travel to school. Traffic and construction are not an excuse to be tardy. 

WISCONSIN LUTHERAN COLLEGE TRIP

Any junior or senior who is interested in visiting Wisconsin Lutheran College should contact Mrs. Stahmann by Friday, August 28, for more information. The trip will take place November 15-16 this fall.

SUPPORT MISSION TRIPS WITH PIZZA!

AZ Lutheran’s Mission Club is once again hosting pizza lunches to raise money to help cover the costs of upcoming summer mission trips. The first pizza lunch of the year will be Friday, August 28. If interested in a day off from lunch prep, make sure to sign up before next Thursday, August 27, at noon. Pizza will be from Costco: $3/single slice, $5/double slice. To help beat the heat, $1 ice cream will also be available. See the sign up for more details.

REMINDER - NEW FAMILY BBQ IS FRIDAY AUGUST 21

All families with a new student are invited, Friday, August 21 from 5:45pm-6:45pm in the gym. Meet other new families, grab a hot dog meal, and cheer on the Coyotes FB team at 7pm. RSVP here.

MAP GROWTH TESTING

On Tuesday, August 25, all freshmen will take the MAP Growth test during the school day. Please ensure your student (s) get a good night of sleep, eat a hearty breakfast, and arrive on time for school. 

They should bring their fully charged Chromebooks. 

VOLLEYBALL CLUB

Is your daughter ready to sharpen her volleyball skills, build confidence, and have fun on the court? Join us for the Junior Coyote Volleyball Club at Arizona Lutheran Academy, led by Varsity Head Coach Jade Wells!

Fast Facts 

• Who: Girls in Grades 4–8
• Where: Arizona Lutheran Academy Gymnasium
• When: 5 Saturdays — Aug 22, 29, Sept 19, Oct 10, 17

Sessions & Flexible Pricing

• Grades 6–8 (Jr. Coyotes) | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• $120 (All 5 Saturdays) | $110 (Any 4) | $100 (Any 3)
• Register for Jr. Coyotes
• Grades 4–5 (Mini Coyotes) | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
• $70 (All 5 Saturdays) | $60 (Any 4) | $50 (Any 3)
• Register for Mini Coyotes

Questions? Contact Camp Director Jade Wells at mrsjadewells@gmail.com 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Our home openers are right around the corner, and we urgently need a few parents to volunteer so our games can run smoothly!

Football Home Opener - Friday, August 21, 7pm

• Ticket Gate (3 people) 5:45 pm- halftime.
• Parking Crew (2 people) 6pm- first quarter.

Volleyball Home Opener - Wednesday, August 26

• Line Judges (2 people per game): arrive 15 min before the match starts
• Ticket Gate 4:45pm- end of Varsity set 1

Even taking just one shift this season makes a massive difference for our student-athletes. Thank you so much for stepping up to support our Coyotes!

See all the possibilities & sign up.

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

If your child takes prescription or OTC medication throughout the school year, please drop it off at the front office with a medication permission form for each medication. This can be done at any time throughout the school year.

Write your last name on all OTC medications.

Print one form for each medication.

BUS PASSES

If your child is riding the bus this year, even if it’s occasionally, you can purchase bus passes two different ways:

1. On the AZ Lutheran website

Under Parent Resources > Pay Online: Tuition, Housing, Bus Passes, Misc.

Please email Mrs. Solofra to let her know you’ve purchased a ticket so she can give it to your child at school.

2. Stop in the office or send your child to the office with payment to receive the bus pass.

REMINDER: NEW STUDENT PIZZA LUNCH

All new students will celebrate the start of the new school year with a pizza lunch on Friday, August 21. We will meet in the gym. Students only need to bring their own drink.

GIVE THANKS TO GOD!

From Dan Kuiper, Executive Director of the Arizona Christian Education Coalition: 

Yesterday the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that Proposition 212 - the anti-school choice measure funded by out-of-state special interests - failed to submit enough valid signatures to appear on the November ballot. According to the legal team leading the challenge, the measure fell approximately 12,000 signatures short.

With today's decision more than 100,000 Arizona children currently thriving on Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, and the thousands of students to come, are safe from this particular attack.

Arizonans saw through it.

Out-of-state special interests poured money into our state for one purpose: to wrestle educational freedom away from Arizona families. They hired paid circulators and had every advantage money can buy.

Yet Arizonans when asked, saw through it and declined to sign. In numbers so overwhelming that the opposition couldn't hit their threshold through legitimate means and resorted to cutting corners the Court threw out.

This is what a true grassroots effort looks like. The people of Arizona were asked to put this measure on the ballot, and they declined. Loudly.

This is answered prayer. Please take a moment today to thank God for His protection over Arizona families and for the organizations that have been working around the clock to defend educational freedom, specifically:

• Goldwater Institute
• Love Your School
• Arizona Free Enterprise Club
• Attorney Kory Langhofer
• AZ Loves ESAs

There are more we couldn't name in this short note, and every one of them deserves our thanks.

To every school leader, family, pastor, and supporter who prayed, showed up, made calls, and spoke out: your involvement mattered.

But the work isn't finished. Our full attention now turns to the mid-term elections this November.

TACO TACO

Friday Night Football on 8.21.26

Coyote Hype Zone theme: Black & Gold Night

Tac-O Tac-O Food Truck will be at the game!

RAISE RIGHT

RaiseRight, formerly known as “Shop with Scrip,” is a gift card fundraising program. Using gift cards earns rebates, which benefit AZ Lutheran and are shared with you!

• Learn about RaiseRight gift cards in this FAQ.
• Over 500 retailers are available! View retailers.
• Coordinator John Mueller orders plastic gift cards on the 15th and last day of each month.
• Plastic gift cards will be delivered to the AZ Lutheran office.
• Want gift cards sooner? Purchase e-gift cards, which are delivered to your inbox.

How to order online?

1. Contact John Mueller at RaiseRight@ALAcoyotes.org to get our enrollment code.
2. Set up your account, order, and start earning.
3. Link your bank account or a debit card.
4. Purchase gift cards.

NEW FAMILY BBQ

All families with a new student are invited, Friday, August 21 from 5:45pm-6:45pm in the gym. Meet other new families, grab a hot dog meal, and cheer on the Coyotes FB team at 7pm. RSVP here.

FALL SPORTS MEETING - TONIGHT, AUGUST 18

All student-athletes participating in a fall sport, along with at least one parent or host parent, are required to attend the Fall Sports Meeting tonight at 6:00 PM in the gym.

Following the general presentation, teams will break out into sport-specific meetings at the following locations:

• Football - gym
• Flag Football - room 15
• Volleyball - room 21 (choir room)
• Cross Country - room 3
• Cheer - room 20

 

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBAL CONCESSIONS UPDATE

Starting with this Friday's home football game, we are making a few changes to our Friday Night Lights menu. While we will no longer be serving grilled items, we've still got plenty of fan favorites: 

Here is what is on the menu:

• All-beef hot dogs
• Nachos
• Chips
• Candy
• Ice cream sandwiches and popsicles
• Assorted sodas, Gatorade, and water. 

We are currently exploring options to bring in outside food vendors and will keep you posted as arrangements are made. As always, 100% of concessions profits directly support our Athletic Department. Go 'Yotes!

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL FOR 4-8 GRADES

Is your daughter ready to sharpen her volleyball skills, build confidence, and have fun on the court? Join us for the Junior Coyote Volleyball Club at Arizona Lutheran Academy.

Fast Facts 

• Who: Girls in Grades 4–8
• Where: Arizona Lutheran Academy Gymnasium
• When: 5 Saturdays — Aug 22, 29, Sept 19, Oct 10, 17

Sessions & Flexible Pricing

• Grades 6–8 (Jr. Coyotes) | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• $120 (All 5 Saturdays) | $110 (Any 4) | $100 (Any 3)
• Register for Jr. Coyotes
• Grades 4–5 (Mini Coyotes) | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
• $70 (All 5 Saturdays) | $60 (Any 4) | $50 (Any 3)
• Register for Mini Coyotes

Questions? Contact Camp Director Jade Wells at mrsjadewells@gmail.com 

SCHOOL PHOTOS ARE READY!

Great news! Your picture day photos are now available to view and order.

View and order at: https://shop.jostenspix.com/login
Event Code: FE25126

To access your student's photos, you will also need their Powerschool Student ID

Retakes will take place on Wednesday, September 9. Retakes are optional. 

VOLUNTEER THIS FALL

Volunteering is one of the best ways to connect with others at ALA. With that in mind, 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.

See all the possibilities & sign up.

Football Home Opener - Friday, August 21, 7pm

• Ticket volunteers should arrive at 5:45 pm, open the ticket gate at 6pm, and sell through halftime.
• Parking Crew should arrive at 6pm and direct cars into parking spots into the first quarter.

Volleyball Home Opener - Wednesday, August 26

• Fr/So 4pm | JV 5pm | Var 6pm
• Ticket volunteers should arrive by 4:45pm (15 minutes prior to the JV game) and sell through the end of the first set in the varsity game.

FAMILY ATHLETIC PASS

The Family Athletic Pass allows parents & siblings of AZ Lutheran students to attend home games for free. It's a perk of being part of the AZ Lutheran family, and our way of making it easy for you to attend all home games. Come out to cheer for your 'Yotes!

Other family members can purchase these passes at the gate ($40/Senior, $50/Single, or $100/Family).

• These passes were given to students last Friday. Please ask them for the pass when they get home from school.
• These are for HOME regular season events.

If you did not receive your pass, contact Solofra@ALAcoyotes.org.

CHESS CLUB

Have an old chess set lying around?

AZ Lutheran’s Chess Club would love to give it a second life!

• The Chess Club will gladly take any complete set. 
• However, if you would like to purchase a new one for donation, they ask that you would buy a vinyl roll-up board. (Also called tournament, competition, or regulation chess set.)

Leave donations at the office and thank you for giving our students a chance to learn the game!

JUNIOR COYOTE VOLLEYBALL

Is your daughter ready to sharpen her volleyball skills, build confidence, and have fun on the court? Join us for the Junior Coyote Volleyball Club at Arizona Lutheran Academy.

Fast Facts 

• Who: Girls in Grades 4–8
• Where: Arizona Lutheran Academy Gymnasium
• When: 5 Saturdays — Aug 22, 29, Sept 19, Oct 10, 17

Sessions & Flexible Pricing

• Grades 6–8 (Jr. Coyotes) | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• $120 (All 5 Saturdays) | $110 (Any 4) | $100 (Any 3)
• Register for Jr. Coyotes
• Grades 4–5 (Mini Coyotes) | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
• $70 (All 5 Saturdays) | $60 (Any 4) | $50 (Any 3)
• Register for Mini Coyotes

Questions? Contact Camp Director Jade Wells at mrsjadewells@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA & PHOTO USE POLICY

1. Arizona Lutheran Academy may use student first names and full names on official social media platforms in the context of school-related activities, achievements, or public recognition. This media includes newsletters, articles, our website, school-sponsored social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.), and for general media purposes.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Athletic accomplishments (e.g., all-region, Character Matters certificates, team rosters)
• Academic honors
• Fine arts events and awards
• Event programs or features (e.g., Gala, Senior Spotlights)

Parents/guardians who prefer that their student’s full name not be used in social media may opt out by submitting a written request to Jen Bode at JBode@ALAcoyotes.org at any time. (Please indicate: first name can be shared, first name with last initial, or no portion of child's name can be shared)


2. Arizona Lutheran Academy may use student photos, interviews, and videos on official social media platforms for educational and informational purposes. This media may be used in newsletters, articles, our website, school-sponsored social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.), and for general media purposes.

Parents/guardians who prefer that their student’s photo not be used on social media may opt out by submitting a written request to Jen Bode at JBode@ALAcoyotes.org at any time.

Note:

• Opting-out of social media will not apply to the yearbook. Your student's name and photo will be shared in the yearbook.
• If your student is included in a photo or video as part of a large group or public area gatherings where the student is not clearly identified, that photo may be used with or without an opt-out notification on file.
• If you choose to opt out of photos, be sure your child is aware of your wishes.

CAREER EXPLORATION OPPORTUNITY

The DEA Phoenix Field Division will be hosting its annual Teen Academy on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 9 am to 3 pm. Eligible students include high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and college freshmen and sophomores. 

The DEA Teen Academy provides students with the opportunity to learn how the DEA gathers intelligence and clandestinely surveils the world’s most notorious criminals to bring them to justice. The application deadline is Friday, September 11, 2026. 

Email guidance@ALAcoyotes.org for an application form or AZOutreach@dea.gov for more information.

FALL SPORTS MEETING - TUESDAY AUGUST 18

All student-athletes participating in a fall sport, along with at least one parent or host parent, are required to attend the Fall Sports Meeting on Tuesday, August 18, at 6:00 PM in the gym.

Following the general presentation, teams will break out into sport-specific meetings at the following locations:

• Football - gym
• Flag Football - room 15
• Volleyball - room 21 (choir room)
• Cross Country - room 3
• Cheer - room 20

PICTURE DAY - THIS FRIDAY AUGUST 14

 Picture day is scheduled for Friday, August 14. 

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

JUNIOR COYOTE VOLLEYBALL CLUB

Is your daughter ready to sharpen her volleyball skills, build confidence, and have fun on the court? Join us for the Junior Coyote Volleyball Club at Arizona Lutheran Academy, led by Varsity Head Coach Jade Wells!

Fast Facts 

• Who: Girls in Grades 4–8
• Where: Arizona Lutheran Academy Gymnasium
• When: 5 Saturdays — Aug 22, 29, Sept 19, Oct 10, 17

Sessions & Flexible Pricing

• Grades 6–8 (Jr. Coyotes) | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• $120 (All 5 Saturdays) | $110 (Any 4) | $100 (Any 3)
• Register for Jr. Coyotes
• Grades 4–5 (Mini Coyotes) | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
• $70 (All 5 Saturdays) | $60 (Any 4) | $50 (Any 3)
• Register for Mini Coyotes

Questions? Contact Camp Director Jade Wells at mrsjadewells@gmail.com

PHONE POLICY

As you have heard, our policy for phones this year is that they must remain in student lockers from the beginning to the end of the day. Students may check them during passing periods and have them at lunch. This policy will be under review as the year goes along and is subject to change.
Several have raised the concern about subjecting phones to the heat of the lockers. Our Technology Director has said that this is not a matter of concern, and Mr. Sulit in our science department did some further research and investigation (see below). We believe that the electronics will be safe.
However, if you feel uneasy about that, we will provide the option of storing the phone in the office where it's climate-controlled. These phones, though, will not be accessible at all during the school day. They would be turned in before the bell starts the day and picked up only after school.

Research

We actually tested the lockers in May and none was over 95°F, and only a few were even close since most of ours are shaded. The 120–150°F numbers being shared online are generally referring to metal enclosures sitting in direct sunlight, which isn’t what we have.

The newer research on smartphone batteries is helpful too. Modern phones use temperature sensors, battery-management systems, and active thermal protections to monitor the battery and adjust how the phone operates when it gets hot. A 2026 peer-reviewed study goes through the advances in smartphone battery technology and thermal management:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590174526002187

There is also a 2024 Journal of Power Sources study specifically on cell-phone lithium-ion batteries that could be shared as well.

And probably our best real-world evidence is that kids already store their laptops in these exact same lockers. They’re lithium-ion devices too. Not every kid takes one to every class, and we haven’t seen a pattern of battery issues. Lockers are also being opened about every 50 minutes.

BUS SERVICE

Morning Routes

• The first ride on Wednesday morning will be complimentary. A bus pass will be required beginning Wednesday afternoon.
• A ten-ride pass may be purchased in the office or online for $42.50. The student then brings this card to be punched for each ride. If a card is forgotten or has not been purchased, the ride will be charged to the family account.
• The pickup/dropoff point will be in the parking lot at Pilgrim (Mesa) and at Emmanuel (Tempe).
• The pickup point for Grace (Glendale) will be in the parking lot to the south of church at Palmaire and 56th Avenue while the dropoff will be in the school parking lot off Myrtle.

Afternoon Routes

• A pass will be needed starting August 12.
• Students simply go to the bus departure point right after school. Buses depart at 3:10pm.
• Time of arrival at the dropoff is traffic dependent.
• The north route will go only to Grace at this point (please let me know immediately if a need to go to Emmaus exists).
• The east route will stop first at Emmanuel and then go on to Pilgrim if riders need that leg.

OPENING SERVICE

Join us for Opening Service on Wednesday, August 12 at 9:10am in the gym. 

We begin our 49th school year with the theme, Courageous in Christ, based on 1 Corinthians 16:13: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." New International Version

GIFTS FOR NEW STAFF — WILLING TO DONATE?

Volunteering is one of the best ways to connect with others at AZ Lutheran! With that in mind, all parents are encouraged to volunteer in 1 or 2 ways each season. (Nope, it's not required, but it's good for your Coyote health!) Volunteering is a great way to meet people, and we can't wait to see you on campus!

• 1st: Check out the opportunities to give a gift to our 2 new staff members on the first day.
• 2nd: We have a plethora of volunteer activities ... pick one!

>> Read about Fall opportunities here.

>> To find the Volunteer sign-up page later, visit ALAcoyotes.org and look for the "Resources" page. You'll find a "Volunteer" link there.

BUSING SERVICE

This is a final reminder. Please be sure we know if your child will be riding the AZ Lutheran bus in the mornings to get to school (from Grace, Emmanuel, or Pilgrim).

 

1. If you received a contact from us and confirmed it, you are on the list.
2. If you contacted Mr. Rosenbaum and received a reply, you are on the list.
3. If neither #1 or #2 applies, you are most likely NOT on the list.

Please contact Mr. Rosenbaum at Rosenbaum@ALAcoyotes.org ASAP if you need to confirm the riding status.

BUS SERVICE REMINDER

AZ Lutheran's bus service will begin on August 12 with a complimentary morning run. The after-school run requires a paid ticket.

The East Valley bus runs from Pilgrim Lutheran School in Mesa to Emmanuel Lutheran School in Tempe and then to AZ Lutheran.
The North Valley bus runs from Emmaus Lutheran School in Phoenix to Grace Lutheran School in Glendale and then to AZ Lutheran.

If you are on our list of planned riders, you should have received a direct communication from the principal on July 29. If you did not receive such an email, then you are not on our list. Please email Mr. Rosenbaum at Rosenbaum@ALAcoyotes.org and share the following information:

• Which days will you use the service? Every day? Occasionally? Certain specific days?
• Which students in your family will ride?
• At which school will you pick up the service in the mornings?

An afternoon bus will also run, but there is no need to sign up for that one in advance.

Responses to these questions are required by Wednesday, August 5, 2026. 

SERVICE HOURS OPPORTUNITY

We invite all parents & students to help put the finishing touches and prepare our campus for the start of the school year.

Date: 08/04/2026 (Tue.)
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm 

Please RSVP online to let us know how many in your family will be able to attend our work night!

If possible, parents are encouraged to bring along their own supplies, including rags, buckets, favorite cleaning solutions, step ladders, gloves, etc.

We welcome adults and high school age students (this would count for service hours under the "on-campus hours" category).

It's a great chance to meet new AZ Lutheran family members or renew existing friendships while preparing campus for the first day! Please come when you can and stay for as long as you can!

PICTURE DAY VOLUNTEERS

We are seeking two parent volunteers to assist with Picture Day on Friday, August 14, from 7.30am to 12.30 pm. Volunteers will receive a voucher to order photos from Jostens. 

If you are available, please contact Mrs. McKenney at McKenney@ALAcoyotes.org