Principal's Corner

Mr. Nate Short, Principal

I have been lucky enough to serve within the Manteno CUSD No. 5 for over 20 years. In 2003, I began working in Manteno as a seventh grade teacher. In 2014, I became the Assistant Principal at Manteno Middle School. I am excited to be your MMS Principal beginning in 2024!

While there are many attributes that make our District a fantastic place to be, four specific pieces have stood out to me over the years that truly separate the Manteno School District from the rest. First are our students. Talking with and working alongside our 5th - 8th graders each day is the best part of being an administrator. I truly enjoy witnessing our students' excitement and growth as they discuss a novel, work through a science experiment, or cheer on their classmates during Winter Games or extracurricular activities. The students at Manteno Middle School are a very special group and make MMS a fun place to be! 

Second is the parents of our students. Our parents are invested in their child(ren)'s education and want to be a part of their educational journey. The collaborative relationship between MMS and the parents of our students help pave the way for student success, and I am lucky to work alongside these individuals as their children navigate the middle school years. Thirdly, the staff at Manteno Middle School is a big family! Our staff members work hard to build positive, trusting relationships with each student who walks through their classroom door. Each day, they work together to ensure that all of our students are continuously learning and growing to one day be strong, successful adults within our society. Finally, the Manteno CUSD No. 5 School Board and Administration have built an amazing culture throughout our District where our students and our staff are valued and supported each and every day.

I appreciate our students, parents, school staff, School Board, and Administration, and look forward to continuing to build positive relationships with all involved as I serve as Principal of Manteno Middle School.

Opportunity Awaits!

Nate Short