Wantagh Elementary School teacher earns $200 grant for classroom upgrade

A second grade classroom at Wantagh Elementary School just got a little quieter.

Joanna Baker, a second grade teacher in the Wantagh school district, has been awarded a $200 grant from Jovia Federal Credit Union to support improvements to her classroom environment.

Baker applied for the grant with a plan to enhance durability, safety and noise reduction in her classroom. She is using the funds to repurpose tennis balls as chair leg protectors — a simple, low-cost and sustainable solution that helps reduce scraping noises on classroom floors.

By adding the tennis balls to the bottoms of chairs, Baker is protecting the floors, extending the life of school furniture and creating a calmer, more focused learning environment for her students.

A quieter classroom can make a meaningful difference for young learners, particularly in second grade, where students are building foundational reading, writing and math skills. Reducing background noise can help limit distractions and make it easier for students to concentrate during lessons and independent work time.

District officials praised Baker’s initiative and creativity in seeking out additional resources to support her students. Jovia Financial Credit Union is a large, not-for-profit financial cooperative based on Long Island, NY, with over $4.4 billion in assets and 220,000 members.

Through the grant, Baker is making a small investment that the district says will have a significant impact — improving daily learning conditions and helping create a more inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

The $200 award reflects both Baker’s thoughtful approach to classroom management and her commitment to student success. District leaders congratulated Baker on the achievement, noting that her efforts demonstrate the dedication and innovation that Wantagh educators bring to their work each day.