CCSD Educational Trip Leave Approval Policy

Approval of family and educational trips during the school year is a privilege, not a right.  It is expected that parents/guardians will make every effort to schedule family vacations during the summer, holiday breaks, and the Bloomsburg Fair week to avoid their child missing school time and falling behind academically. Parents should also avoid scheduling any trips during state-mandated testing, which usually occurs in late April and May of each school year.  

The CCSD Attendance Officer or building administrators reserve the right to approve or deny trip requests.  Central Columbia uses a specific metric to approve students’ family and educational trip requests during the school year and the student’s inclusion on school-sponsored field trips. This metric is based on the student’s academic standing, attendance record, disciplinary history at the time of the trip, and the actual trip justification. Family and/or educational trip leave is limited to a maximum of five (5) school days per student per school year and requests should be submitted at least 2 weeks before the date of departure.  Students are required to make up assignments and tests missed during approved leave within the allotted period upon their return.  Absences resulting from unapproved trips or exceeding the allowable trip leave limit will be classified as unlawful, and teachers have the discretion whether to credit the student for any assignments or tests missed during their absence.

For a list of US states and foreign countries that require a quarantine period upon return to Pennsylvania, please click on this link

Please call Chief James Murtin at 570-784-2850 ext. 3122 or email with any questions.

Click on the link below to submit a trip request for approval.

The completed request form will be emailed back to you once it is processed. Contact Chief James Murtin at 570-784-2850 ext. 3122 if you have any questions upon receipt of your e-mail.

• Educational Tours and Trip Request Form

§ 11.26. Non-school district-sponsored educational tours and trips (State Attendance Regulation)

1. A school district may excuse a student from school attendance to participate in a non-school district sponsored educational tour or trip, if the following conditions are met:

   1. The student's parent or guardian prior to the tour or trip submits to the school district a written request for the excusal.

   2. The student's participation on the tour or trip has been approved by the district superintendent or a designee.

   3. There is an adult who is directing and supervising the student during the tour or trip who is acceptable to both the parents or guardian and the district superintendent.

2. A school district may limit the number and duration of tours or trips for which excused absences may be granted to a student during the school term