Ivy Murch: A Day In The Life of a Sophomore
At Fishers Island School
story by Maren Schober
published in 'The Resident' on 6 July 2011
Not many students commute to school by ferry boat, but Ivy Murch of New London is one such student and she does it weekly Monday-Friday. A sophomore at Fishers Island School, Ivy started making the two way commute six years ago. She made the decision to attend Fishers Island School when she was in the fifth grade and she is happy she did.
"We saw an advertisement for the school in the newspaper," Ivy reflects. "I really liked the idea of the school because I had always been sailing my whole life. Going to school on an island, taking a ferry everyday was just the perfect thing for me!"
"One of the things I love best about this school is the small classes. The teacher is able to give all the students attention and give them one on one help when they need it! With finals coming up it is very convenient and a privilege to get after school help for this or even homework!"
How large are the classes?
"There are four girls and six boys in the sophomore class. I remember in the eighth grade I was the only girl! It was actually pretty great because I have always been closer with guys than girls, and I have grown up with most of the guys in my class so it's really great!"
" My day is long. Most of the school year I leave New London in the dark and arrive home after dark! If I had to change anything about this school, I think it would be how late we come home. It is really inconvenient getting home so late, when all of my other friends outside of my school get home at 2:30 p.m. "
What is a typical day like for Ivy?
" I get up real early in order to meet the New London ferry. The school has a rotating schedule each day, but typically I start off with Art class. After that it is study hall, Math, History, snack break, English, Band, Lunch, followed by Spanish, Science and Science Lab. Then we wait for the ferry until the bell rings and return to New London. On some days I have Music Theory, Health and Physical Education."
Sports program?
"Fall is Cross Country season. In the winter we have basketball. We have practice every day after school. Around March/April we have our school play where we also have practice every day after school. Finally from May to the end of the school year is golf season. It is about a 12 hour day for me."
"I have some close friends and don't know what I would ever do without them. Everyone is pretty friendly with each other."
"Every other year we have our big high school trip. Last year we went to Washington D.C. which was a lot of fun! Next year we will be going to Philadelphia and New York City which I am looking forward to very much!"