Formation: Friends of James Simons Elementary established in November 2014 to fund a play yard shade canopy, a project beyond the PTA's scope.

• Mission: Address funding limitations within the PTA, focusing on critical school needs.

• 501c3 Non-Profit: Our status allows us to collaborate closely with diverse board members, including parents and James Simons staff.

• Support: We work closely with the Principal, Title I Parent Advocate, and Team to ensure we meet the school's most pressing needs.

• Budget Challenges: Given the budget cuts in Charleston County public schools, Friends of James Simons helps bridge financial gaps to support students, teachers, and staff.

• Annual Spring Fundraiser: Our community-driven event features local food, drinks, and entertainment, thanks to volunteers, community donations, and sponsors.

• Four Pillars: Funds raised support our Four Pillars: Student Outreach, Student Enrichment, Teacher & Staff Appreciation, and Professional Development.

Our four FUND-RAISING pillars

Student Outreach

Diversity is our strength and all our students have different needs. Our Feeding Friends program supplies healthy weekend food items to food-insecure kids. Our Holiday Doves program collects gifts to ensure all families experience the festivity of the holidays. Sponsorships are awarded to students to participate in after school enrichment. 

Student Enrichment

Extracurriculars are essential to a well rounded education. Friends of James Simons provides after-school enrichment classes like Shakespeare and Acting, Poets in the Schools, Drawing & Writing, and Computer Coding, and Community Outreach.

Teacher and Staff appreciation

Our teachers and staff make everything we do possible! We fund their annual Staff Appreciation week in the Spring to encourage and thank them for their hard work and dedication to our children.  By helping keeping the staff room stocked we can support their daily efforts.