BROCKWAY, Pa. -- For many children, starting the school day wide awake and ready to learn can be tough, but at Brockway Elementary School in Jefferson County, students are all eyes and ears for the morning announcements. BTV, Brockway Elementary's own television station, started last year with students manning the cameras, sound equipment and anchor desk to bring classmates the big news of the day.

"Anytime there is a major event at Brockway Elementary, we're covering it," said Shay French, technology coordinator. "It could be Field Day in the spring. It could be the science fair or school programs."

And kids love it. What's more, everyone is encouraged to get involved. "Instead of having Mrs. Glasl do the announcements every morning, everyone gets a chance on the TV," said sixth-grader Cassidy Shaffer.

Students from first through sixth grades take turns delivering the news, an experience that builds organizational, language and reading skills at every level. "It helps me be more comfortable reading in front of people," said sixth-grader Ashley Moore.

Some kids volunteer. Others are referred by teachers. French said not every student makes it on air his or her first try, but being invited to try again provides incentive to practice. And kids do just that, and it shows.

"Their reading fluency was a big thing as well as their articulation of the announcements," explained Principal Amy Glasl. "We want them to be excited and to have that inflection in their voice, and that's something we are always trying to do in the classroom as well."

In addition to enhancing reading, students learn interviewing skills, editing and storytelling. Plus, students said it is a blast to see yourself and your friends on TV.