FITCHBURG, Mass. —

A stinky situation at an elementary school led to students getting the day off on Friday.

In a letter sent home to parents, Fitchburg Public Schools Superintendent Jon Thompson says a skunk had been found at McKay Elementary School around 1:30 a.m.

The smelly intruder was contained to one classroom, but responding staff discovered the animal had sprayed.

Classes were canceled for the day out of an abundance of caution for students' and staff safety.

Thompson said a professional remediation company will be cleaning and disinfecting the classroom throughout the weekend.

The school is expected to reopen on Monday.

"We understand this unexpected closure may have caused disruption, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience," Thompson wrote in the letter. "Thank

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