[David66]

Perhaps you are asking for too much time out of school. Both of our regionals are "in-state" so require only "overnight field trip" status approval. We usually leave early Thursday morning for West Michigan regional, and return Saturday evening. The other regional reqires no approval because it is in our home town, so students are only required to obtain "Planned absence" forms which must be signed by each of their teachers beforee they are allowed to miss school. Nationals happens to fall over spring break, so again only requires overnight fieldtrip approval. Our team does, however, go and present (usually) to the school board concerning FIRST and how it affects us. This is a good approach, when an entire team shows up at a meeeting, is respectful, and delivers a heartfelt presentation it is hard for them to say no. Perhaps mention to them that you eill require all travelling team members to obtain permission and homeowrk from their teachers BEFORE leaving.