A Temecula elementary school television production team enters their peers’ classrooms a few mornings each week.

Crowne Hill TV students use recording equipment, broadcasting technology, transform into on-air commentators, and create a campus show known by many as "Life on the Hill."

"I prepare the scripts that are read from a laptop during recording," Lisa Young, a special education teacher, who supervises the television production team. "The team comes in at 8:30 a.m. to set up for the show. They know how to work the equipment so they also make sure the second showing at 9:15 a.m. airs properly." 

The school also has another production by the student council that hopes to develop personal character within the students, she added. 

Skits emphasize certain qualities in a person such as respect, responsibility, citizenship, and personal friendship.

"The PTA bought the small digital camera last year," said Young. "We started the show two years ago with a big, bulky camera that was not digital. The new small camera makes production much easier."  

"Crowne Hill TV helped me with overcoming shyness and now I can talk freely in public," said Hanna Cabrera, 10, a member of the student production team.

The in-school activity has helped Kerstin Rosser, 10, to prepare for parts in plays and musicals, because it has lessened Advertisement

MD Construction her fright of the stage. "I’m hoping for a part in ‘Seussical the Musical’ to be held in Old Town Temecula Community Theatre," she said. 

Once, the program ends, the children will be given a CD of the many different productions in which they accomplished throughout the year. 

"My goal is to become an actress," student Lexi Ruiz, age 11. "It’s helped me develop a reel, which shows my personality." 

The girls agree the program has helped them gain more confidence.

"I used to never participate in class," admitted 10-year-old Haley Cabrera. "Now, I’m over my stage fright. Having friends surround you with Crowne Hill TV helps with great memories and making friends forever too." 

The show is broadcasted twice daily when school is in session Monday through Thursday, once at 9 a.m. for the entire school to watch, and then at 9:15 a.m. for the 5th graders.

"Life on the Hill" is produced by Young and the team of 5th graders.

During the show, they present general daily school information, the weather, the lunch menu, a monthly character theme, a "This Day in History" moment, trivia facts, PTA information, and a reminder of the school rules. The commentators add their personal charm by throwing in appropriate jokes based on the monthly character theme.