Can Donovan Go?

My middle kiddo, Donovan, is having issues with his school letting him go on the cruise.  I thought his mother, my X2, had arranged this some time back, but she has informed me today that it was Donovan's and Madison's responsibility to do it.  Hummmm.  Madison has made it clear that she will go whether or not Donovan goes.  This is funny if you know these two and how they interact.  So, it's down to the wire and even after being on the phone most of the day over the subject with Principal, counselor, and X2, I'm not 100% convinced.  Here's where we are.  The principal will not approve the cruise days as "excused".  A student can only miss 5 unexcused days per semester.  Luckily, Donovan hasn't missed any this semester.  The cruise should have taken us 6 school days, but we have now compromised so Donovan can go.  We are picking him up and driving to New Orleans AFTER the school day is over to reduce the trip by 1 school day.  Unexcused work can be made up only if the teacher allows so his grades may suffer.  X2 retains the decision, but has said she wants him to go.  My wallet and I are thankful for that. 

Questions?  Yep, tried to consider school breaks.  Not a go.  Yep, brought the whole thing up over 8 months ago and well before paying for the tickets.  Yep, yep, yep, I thought I covered it all, but alas, here we are.

I have some thoughts on the matter on school vs. vacation.  I believe that school is a wonderful learning tool, but the way I look at it, it's only a tool to help me as a parent.  I don't think an absence of this length will affect Donovan or Madison vs. what they will gain from a "vacation" as the principal suggests.  The kids will get exposure to other cultures and locations,  hands-on history lessons, mind-broadening experiences, and a great time with their Dad which they will never forget.  3 days and counting...