On Wednesday, August 20, a total of 953 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders walked the halls of Lopez Middle School meeting teachers, reviewing schedules, getting textbooks, testing lockers and obtaining new ID badges.

Sixth-grade parents were treated to coffee and donuts in the cafeteria while the administration, dean and counselors presented a "Parent Survival" slideshow and background on Sgt. José M. Lopez, the school's namesake.

"Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a school-wide effort to run pre-registration. I am very proud of the way our teachers teamed up to pull off a flawless day," said Dr. Barry Lanford, principal. "Everybody stepped up and made sure that everything was taken care of."

According to Lanford, Wednesday’s Panther Prowl helped students get ready to learn with books, lockers and a sense of direction –- not only physically, but in their attitude as well.