The Academy of Notre Dame in Tyngsboro informed parents and the entire school community earlier today that it had been informed by a medical professional that a student appeared to have the H1N1 flu. Out of an abundance of caution in assessing the recommendations offered by state and local health officials to all communities recently, the school made the decision to close the elementary and high school for the week of May 4-8, 2009. The Academy of Notre Dame uses common areas by both schools making the total closure necessary.

The Archdiocese of Boston Catholic Schools Office and the Office of Parish Services will the assist the Academy as necessary including coordination of school sanitation.

School officials advise parents and students to monitor the school website www.ndatyngsboro.org for more information. Parents may also access the schools parent portal for updates and announcements on additional plans that may be developed to address classroom assignments, athletics and extra curricular activities during the closure.

"The health and well being of our students, teachers, staff and community are our top priority," said Dr. Karen Juliano, president of the Academy of Notre Dame. "In particular we pray for the speedy recovery of our student. We will communicate with parents through our web site and parent portal regularly during the week and we look forward to reopening our doors on Monday, May 11th."