August 31, 2021

Welcome 6th graders and family!

This is my fourth year teaching at Hellgate Elementary, although I spent a full year as a district-wide substitute in 2017-2018. Each year I've spent at Hellgate has challenged me and helped prepare me for the next. As you know, the previous couple school years were a huge transition for the entire district, between shuffling grade levels to new buildings and creating new roles for staff. To add to the chaos, the global pandemic forced everyone online and then back into the classroom with all sorts of new policies and procedures. Students, parents, and staff have had to quickly adjust to a 'new normal' of remote and in-person learning during a pandemic, which tested everyone's patience and ambition. This year will, in no doubt, be another challenge for all of us. However, I'm thankful to be in the classroom again with most of my students learning in-person. As long as we continue to be flexible with patience and understanding, we will continue to learn and grow together!

Please use this webpage as a resource for important dates, links, and more! I pride myself on my openness and transparency, so please don't hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. See you soon!

Sincerely, 

Melissa Morton

mmorton@hellgate.k12.mt.us

(406) 532 - 3665

P.S. Here's a little bit about me:

After moving to Missoula to attend the University of Montana in 2008, I quickly fell in love with education and our community. Although I graduated in 2013 with a B.A. in Elementary Education, I found myself in various other roles. Five years after earning my degree, I rediscovered my passion for teaching and was blessed with the opportunity to teach alongside an incredible base of educators at HESD! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our Goldendoodle, Luna, as well as with our family, and friends. I also love to exercise, try new recipes, and read. Most of all, I enjoy year-round recreation in our beautiful state, by skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, backpacking, and paddleboarding.