Lopez Middle School has adopted a new way to celebrate student successes and to promote upcoming events and activities--an online school newspaper. The first issue of "The Panther Prowl" was delivered to students in the new media fashion on the first day of school. The paper is solely available online at ThePantherProwl.com.

While in development for the past year, the paper finally got the boost it needed from the school by the formation of a journalism class. Lopez's journalism class consists of seventh- and eighth-graders who produce the video morning announcements, yearbook and online newspaper. 

The journalism students, under the direction of Technology Applications Teacher James Lewey, rotate through the roles of copywriter, photographer, videographer, section editor, video anchor, director and technology editor. Each student will have the opportunity to fill each role during the year. Lewey's goal is to have 100% of the school's publications be student-driven and controlled.

To support the student body not able to participate in the class, Lopez will continue its Press Club whose members help contribute and edit all student-based media. Members write articles, take photographs, record videos and edit sections of the Yearbook and the paper.