BELLE — Maries County R-2 principals are preparing a new teacher attendance incentive with the memorable name of the GOOSE award, short for “Get Out of School Early.”

Administrators described the incentive during the Board of Education’s Oct. 27 meeting, saying it would recognize qualifying teachers with an opportunity to leave before the end of the school day.

Bland Middle School Principal Amanda Seaver said the reward at her building would cover the final 45-minute advisory period, with Seaver stepping into the classroom.

The award will also feature a goose figure, giving staff a visible symbol of the recognition.

Belle Elementary Principal Bobbi Robertson introduced the initiative during building reports, saying all three principals planned to participate and begin the following week.

The discussion described the incentive as recognizing teachers with perfect attendance for a month. Seaver said it would reward teachers who consistently attend and have not required a substitute because of a personal absence.

Board members asked how eligibility would account for teachers missing class for coaching responsibilities or professional development.

Administrators indicated that school-related duties and training would be treated differently from personal call-ins when determining eligibility.

The incentive drew a positive response during the meeting, with board discussion highlighting its value as a way to recognize staff without a monetary award.