Welcome To RJ Vial

Mission And Vision 

Mission: 
The mission of R. J. Vial Elementary School is to provide high-quality educational opportunities for all students.

Vision: 
All stakeholders at R. J. Vial Elementary School work collaboratively to equip each student with the knowledge, motivation, and skills to become academically, emotionally, and socially ready for the future.

Beliefs: 

We believe…

• education is our top priority.

• communication and collaboration between school, home, and community increases student achievement and engagement. 

• in rigorous and relevant learning opportunities.

• effective collaboration among teachers provides high-quality instruction that allows students and teachers to achieve at greater levels.

• embracing diversity fosters a culture of acceptance.

• in providing inclusive and equitable opportunities for all.

History

Richard John Vial, Sr
Born: May 18, 1883
Died: August 29, 1960 at age 77

Mr. Vial was the son of Louise A. Vial and Louise Bossier Vial, and husband of Josephine Hymel Vial. He was a life long resident of St. Charles Parish. Mr. Vial began his service to the school system on December 7, 1920, and served until his death on August 29, 1960. As the Ward II Representative on the school board, he was elected president on January 6, 1931. On January 3, 1933, he was elected vice-president. On March 6, 1940, he was again elected president and continued as president until his death on August 29, 1960.

During his 29 years on the school board, many major buildings were built including Hahnville High School and Destrehan High School. He had nine children - 7 boys and 2 girls. He was the father of R.J. Vial, Jr.

 

Richard John Vial, Jr
Born: July 21, 1908
Died: January 13, 1973

Mr. Vial was the son of Richard J. Vial, Sr. and Josephia Hymel Vial. He graduated from Hahnville High School and LSU. He began teaching at Hahnville High School in 1929 and was appointed assistant principal in 1934. He was the band director of four bands and played a major role in the development of music in the schools. He took the band to its first trip outside the parish to Lutcher for the Cypress Football Bowl. He was also the first to take the band to the state festival where they won many awards. In 1938 he formed the St. Charles Parish Teachers Association and served as its first president.

On September 2, 1941, he was called to serve in World War II for the Army. His wife Ethel Guidry Vial, also a teacher at Luling Elementary, gave birth to their only child, Patsye Ann Vial on April 23, 1942. On this day he left for active duty in the Philippines located in the southwest Pacific.

After J.B. Martin’s resignation, the school board sent Mr. Vial a letter requesting him to serve as superintendent. He accepted while still in the Army. A.A. Songy was appointed acting superintendent until his return. The school board requested his quick release from the Army. Mr. Vial returned on October 9, 1945, and began serving his post earning $5,280 a year.

Mr. Vial continued to serve as superintendent until his death six months before his scheduled retirement.