By Melissa Marcucci, President

Dear CASE Members,

As we close out another year, I’m filled with gratitude for the way our community continues to embody the spirit of “Connected Science: Stories, Systems, and Success.” This edition of our newsletter invites us to reflect not only on what we’ve accomplished, but on how our collective storytelling, systemic efforts, and shared successes continue to move science education forward across California.

A key example of this connection is our white paper, Strategic Investment in TK–12 Science.  The impact stories highlighted within, spanning inquiry-driven TK–12 classrooms, real-world investigations, and deep student engagement, demonstrate how individual educator experiences can illuminate the larger systems that support equitable, high-quality science learning for all.

That same connection between story and system came to life at our 2025 California Science Education Conference in Palm Springs. Together, we created an event that showcased the very best of our community. Keynote speakers Dr. Raven the Science Maven and Shernice Lazare challenged us to reimagine what accessible and inspiring science education can look like. Hands-on sessions, engineering challenges, phenomenon-rich workshops, and even our playful “Find a Flamingo” activity reminded us that joy, curiosity, and community are essential components of a thriving system. New and returning members alike built relationships that will continue to strengthen our shared work.

These connections deepen even further when members take the next step and join a CASE committee. Committee service offers powerful opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and influence at the state level. It is one of the most meaningful ways to turn your individual story into a catalyst for broader systemic change, expanding your network, your perspective, and your impact.

As we enter the holiday season of giving, I encourage each of you to extend this spirit of connection outward. Reach out to a prospective or returning member. Share your experience. Invite them to attend a CASE event. Offer the gift of membership, an opportunity to access resources, join a supportive community, and help shape the future of science education in California.

And throughout the new year, we hope you will continue sharing your own stories, your successes, your challenges, and your innovations. Through our newsletter, future calls for impact stories, and committee work, your voice fuels the momentum and mission of CASE.

Together, by connecting stories to systems and systems to success, we are building a brighter science future for every California learner.

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