[Bongle]

In past years where we've been able to do multiple events, I've chosen to skip practice day at one or more events to preserve my vacation days. Usually the important work on practice day is just for 4-5 people in the pits. Since I'm the programming mentor and doing high-stress last-minute rushed programming is just asking for bugs, it's safe for me to not be present.

In the past, I've had bosses nice enough to give freebie vacation days because they like FIRST's mission.

For the students missing school, there are many options:
-Have one regional run on a skeleton crew of the most dedicated/knowledgeable students (as a form of reward for them working hard)
-Have some of the students miss practice day at one regional, and have them come in on Friday morning (also good for saving cash on hotels)
-Only permit the students who are up provably to date with homework/school to attend the 2nd/3rd/4th events.