Grade Levels

Learning, Growing, and Succeeding - One Grade at a Time

Elementary school is a time when students build the foundation for lifelong learning. During these important years, children develop essential skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and problem-solving while also growing in confidence, creativity, and curiosity. At Mesabi East Elementary, classrooms are designed to support both academic achievement and personal growth through engaging lessons, hands-on activities, and meaningful connections with teachers and classmates.

Each grade level builds upon the skills and experiences of the previous year, helping students gradually take on new challenges and responsibilities. Along the way, students strengthen their ability to collaborate, think critically, and apply what they learn across different subjects. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where every student feels encouraged, capable, and excited to learn.

Families play an important role in this journey, and we believe strong partnerships between school and home help students succeed. The information on this page highlights the learning experiences, activities, and opportunities that help guide students through their elementary years at Mesabi East.

Learning, Growing, and Succeeding — One Grade at a Time

Elementary school is a time when students build the foundation for lifelong learning. At Mesabi East Elementary, students grow in reading, writing, math, problem-solving, confidence, and curiosity through engaging lessons, hands-on activities, and meaningful classroom experiences.

Each grade level helps students build new skills, take on new responsibilities, and continue growing academically, socially, and personally in a supportive environment.

Content will load when selected…

Content will load when selected…

Content will load when selected…

Content will load when selected…

Content will load when selected…

 5th Grade

Preparing for What's Next

Fifth grade prepares students for middle school by building independence and leadership.

Teacher Team

Ted Fredrickson

Ted Fredrickson

5th Grade

Brett Kokal

Brett Kokal

5th Grade

Brenda Ryks

Brenda Ryks

5th Grade

What Students Learn

  • Reading – Analyzing a range of texts and novels through the use of literary elements, word knowledge, and various strategies to engage discussion in and outside of the classroom setting.
  • Writing – Create complex, structured, nuanced pieces of writing.
  • Math Skills – Fractions, decimals, and real-world problem solving.
  • Science – Physical Science, Earth and Space, Life Science.
  • Social Studies – U.S. History: Indigenous groups, European exploration, Thirteen Colonies, American Revolution, Westward expansion, geography, and government.

Grade-Level Highlights

Fifth grade includes memorable experiences that showcase learning.

  • Individual projects that require planning and independent thinking.
  • Opportunities to demonstrate leadership.
  • Activities that prepare students for middle school expectations.
  • Field Trips.
  • Biweekly, monthly, and trimester rewards.

Individual School Supplies & Materials

  • #2 Pencils or Mechanical Pencils and lead
  • Pencil box or pencil pouch
  • Erasers
  • 2 Glue sticks
  • 1 Pair of Scissors
  • Colored Pencils
  • 2–3 Highlighters
  • 2 red pens and 2 green pens
  • Expanded File Folder
  • Earbuds or Headphones
  • Notebooks (3)
  • Planner is strongly recommended
  • GYM ONLY TENNIS SHOES

A Day in the Life of a Fifth Grader

Students rotate through subjects and work independently and collaboratively.

Communication & Expectations

Students are expected to manage responsibilities through increased independence by taking ownership of schoolwork and personal needs.

Family Support & At-Home Tips

Supporting organization, time management, and long-term planning is key. Closely checking Schoology and Powerschool to keep abreast of academics, as well as behaviors, and maintain regular communication with classroom teachers.

Content will load when selected…

Content will load when selected…

Content will load when selected…

Content will load when selected…

Content will load when selected…

Content will load when selected…

Content will load when selected…

 

A Mesabi East commitment to student growth, opportunity, and direction.
Learn more

 

© 2026 Developed by: NWP IconNorthwoods Professional Group, LLC All rights reserved.  All trademarks, service marks, trade names, product names, and logos appearing are the property of their respective owners.