"At Silver Valley Elementary School, a transformative initiative brought teachers and students together in Communities of Practice focused on ""Identifying as Writers."" The goal was to create a school culture where everyone—staff and students alike—felt empowered to ""Write their Story and Make their Mark."" The initiative launched with a simple, powerful premise: everyone has a story worth telling. Guided by this belief, all staff participated in writing workshops that met monthly to explore their own writing identities. They read professional texts, shared personal narratives, and engaged in reflective practice. Students, intrigued by seeing their teachers as fellow writers, quickly embraced the space. The writing practices within classrooms became safe, creative environments where labels like ""good"" or ""bad"" writer were set aside in favor of authenticity and voice. Together, teachers and students wrote poetry, memoirs, opinion pieces, and informative pieces, sharing them daily in their classrooms. Staff meetings began with short writing prompts which included mentor texts to guide writing practice. Professional development included aspects of writing in various forms allowing for teacher leaders to guide writing instruction within the classroom. To ensure high engagement and performance, the school leadership team employed proven motivation strategies—such as shared leadership roles, recognition events, and teacher-led professional development—to foster staff buy-in and accountability. These strategies aligned with district-wide improvement goals and helped shift mindsets toward collective responsibility for student growth. The initiative culminated in a Parent/Family Engagement event “Write Your Story, Make Your Mark.” Parents and other family members, students, and teachers created a story based on an important family momento and sharing a family story. Honors and AP students from our feeder pattern high school participated to support both students and families in the writing event. Ultimately, Silver Valley Elementary became a place where writing was no longer a solitary, evaluative task but a communal act of identity, courage, and connection. Staff and students alike came to see themselves not just as people who write—but as writers." Presenters: Amanda Frank, Kristin Hewitt