Honoring Vanessa Polonio’s Legacy

Vanessa D. Polonio, 47, passed away on September 2, 2025. Born in the Bronx, New York, Vanessa was the beloved daughter of Melchor A. Polonio and Ellie Polonio. She earned her B.A. from Columbia University and an M.A. in Elementary Education from Lehman College, CUNY. Vanessa dedicated her career to teaching in NYC public schools spending the last 8 years at PS 376 Q, the Bayside Hills School of Excellence in Bayside, New York as a founding staff member. She later received a certification in Computer Science and pioneered the school’s computer science program. Her expertise and experience were instrumental in shaping the school’s mission and vision. Vanessa was known throughout the New York Public School system for her commitment to education and her ability to inspire creativity and ingenuity in every child she taught.

Vanessa’s passion for working with children was evident in everything she did. She filled classrooms with joy and countless students benefitted from her dedication throughout her career. She taught computer science to all the students at her school, encouraging them to explore technology and develop new skills. Her dedication left a lasting mark on her students, colleagues, and the entire school community. Vanessa’s family, including her parents, her sister Alisha, her grandmother Narcisa, and her niece Jasmin, are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support during this difficult time.

In honor of Vanessa’s legacy, all donations will be given to the PTA at PS 376 Q, the Bayside Hills School of Excellence. These funds will be used to continue supporting the computer science program Vanessa developed and to address other important needs of the students at the school. Your contribution will help ensure that Vanessa’s passion for education and her commitment to her students lives on in the school community she loved.