Education Briefs

May River Montessori launches hands-on marine biology program
May River Montessori has announced a new educational partnership with May River Excursions to offer students hands-on experiences in marine biology, beginning this school year.

The collaboration with May River Excursions, a Bluffton-based tour company known for educational and ecological tours, will give students boat-based learning opportunities on the May River. Students will study oyster beds, observe dolphins, and identify native species while exploring the Lowcountry’s waterways and marshes.

School officials said the initiative supports May River Montessori’s focus on experiential learning and environmental stewardship.

“The May River is more than a scenic view — it’s a living classroom, and we can’t wait to set sail on this new learning adventure,” the school said in a news release.

For more information visit mayrivermontessori.com.

Back-to-School Expo returns July 26
The Beaufort County School District will host its annual Back-to-School Expo on Saturday, July 26th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Battery Creek High School in Beaufort.

The free event will offer door prizes, school supply giveaways, and information booths hosted by district schools and community partners.

Free transportation for district families is being provided from high schools North and South of the Broad. BCSD Families interested in reserving transportation can do so as part of the pre-registration process

Families are encouraged to pre-register by Monday, July 21st. For more information, contact Shakinna Murray at 843-322-0790 or Savanah Rothenberger at 843-322-0720. Spanish-speaking families can reach Yanina Sarli at 843-322-2420. Or, scan the qr code to register.

Smith named athletic director at John Paul II Catholic School
John Paul II Catholic School has appointed Tom Smith as its new athletic director. A graduate of the University of South Carolina and West Virginia University, Smith brings extensive experience in athletic leadership and administration. He most recently served as athletic director at St. Mary’s School in Annapolis, Md.

Smith will oversee all Golden Warrior athletic programs and lead the school’s athletic facility expansion as part of its Where Faith and Innovation Meet capital campaign. “We must create a culture of continuous development, adaptation, and creativity to prepare [students] for their JPII career and beyond,” Smith said.

JPII President David Lima called Smith “the ideal leader” to take the school’s athletic program to the next level.

LowCountry Alliance for Healthy Youth recognizes 2025 interns
The LowCountry Alliance for Healthy Youth (LCAHY) recently celebrated the efforts of its 2025 summer interns: Abigail Copcutt, Victoria De Armas, Aishling Lewis, and Sarah Lawson.

Interns worked on several youth-focused projects, including educational materials about the risks of marijuana use, fentanyl exposure, cyberbullying, and youth wellness. A new partnership with local dentists was also piloted to distribute information cards on the health effects of vaping.

LCAHY is funded through a Drug-Free Communities grant administered by the CDC, with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry as its fiscal agent. The group’s mission is to promote youth development and reduce substance misuse through community collaboration.

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