About Our School

Welcome to the Gonzalez Child Center!

This current school building has been open since the 2011-2012 school year. In August 2016, the building was renamed the Aries “Jaybird” Gonzalez Child Center or Gonzalez Child Center, and during the 2021-2022 school year we opened our doors to our Adventures program. 

We are now home to over 150 preschoolers and 50 kinder to 5th grade students, who fill our school with laughter and a love for school, five days a week! There are eight preschool classroom teachers working side by side with a bilingual assistant and five adventures classroom teachers to help your child reach their highest potential. 

Gonzalez Child Center Mission Statement 

We are ARIES “Jaybird” Gonzalez Child Center in East Aurora School District 131.  Our mission and the mission of East Aurora District 131 is to educate and empower all students to reach their full potential.  We are all in this together, One Team, One Plan!!   

At GCC, We are Accountable, Respectful, Inclusive, Engaging, and Safe! 

We are ARIES! 

Accountable — We hold ourselves individually and collectively liable for strong academic outcomes with each individual fulfilling his or her responsibility in a clear and consistent manner so that all students can succeed. 

Respectful — We use encouraging words to build strong relationships and create a positive environment to work and learn.  We support families, staff and students by acknowledging their feelings and by listening to concerns and celebrations.  

Inclusive — We foster a sense of community by meeting the needs of all students, stakeholders, teachers, staff, and parents. 

Engaging — We develop activities that are fun in order to motivate a lifelong love for learning.  Our community is dedicated to creating an environment that provides meaningful authentic hands-on experience for our students and families.  The participation of our parents, students and staff is essential for the continued success of our school.   

Safe — We provide a welcoming environment where students, staff and parents feel empowered and are excited to participate in school.  We are nurturing and foster positive relationships in our school community.  These partnerships will allow us to teach each other and grow. 

Preschool Mission Statement

To prepare children for future success by providing opportunities for them to learn, practice newly acquired skills, and be exposed to challenges that are just beyond their present level of mastery. This will take place in the context of a school environment where children feel valued and safe, where their physical needs are met, and where they feel psychologically secure. Collaboration with family and community will provide the foundation for the individually appropriate educational experiences provided for each child.

About Aries “Jaybird” Gonzalez

Aries “Jaybird” Gonzalez was a former kindergarten student at Beaupre Elementary School.

He lived just seven years, but his passion for education has inspired people well beyond his death in 2012. He was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 21 months old. Following a stem-cell transplant, he developed complications, but he was determined to graduate kindergarten. The last day of his life was spent at his kindergarten graduation, surrounded by friends. Aries “Jaybird” Gonzalez has served as a great inspiration to his school community.