A 15-Year-Old Boy Died By Suicide After Relentless Cyberbullying, And His Parents Say The Latin School Could Have Done More To Stop It

chicago

By Megan Hickey

April 25, 2022 / 10:44 PM CDT / CBS Chicago

After son’s suicide following relentless cyberbullying, parents say school could have done more 05:42

CHICAGO (CBS) — A 15-year-old boy named Nate Bronstein was enrolled at one of the most prestigious private schools in Chicago and had a promising future — that is, until his parents say he became a victim of relentless cyberbullying by his classmates.

Nate took his own life. 

And in an exclusive interview with CBS 2 Investigator Megan Hickey, his parents allege that the Latin School of Chicago could have done more to stop it. 

Rose and Robert Bronstein never fathomed that they’d be speaking about their son, Nate in the past tense.

“I still can’t process it,” said Rose Bronstein.

“He definitely wanted to go to a college that had big time sports,” said Robert Bronstein. “He loved to make people laugh, and laugh himself.”

And of the school, Rose added, “It’s a toxic culture – so toxic that we lost our son from it.”

The Bronsteins’ 10th-grader was a super-sharp, funny kid; A pillar in their family of five. He was a new transfer last fall to the Latin School of Chicago, at 59 W. North Blvd. in the Gold Coast.

But he was bullied by his classmates to the point that he didn’t want to live to see his future. 

“It had been kept from us, so that’s why we were completely, completely taken off guard when this happened,” said Robert Bronstein.

The Bronsteins had concerns about their son adjusting to a new school — and according to a 68-page lawsuit just filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, they raised those concerns repeatedly with administrators. 

But according to the filing, they had no idea about the extent of the cyberbullying that tormented Nate. 

But the Bronsteins say Latin did. 

“Our son would still be alive today if Latin would have done their job and reported to us what had gone on within the school,” said Rose Bronstein.

The Bronsteins say they were never told that on Dec. 13, 2021, Nate asked for a meeting with his dean of students to report that several students were bullying him via a text message thread provided to CBS 2,

 » Read More

Guide To The Musical ‘Chicago’ On Broadway | New York Theatre Guide

Learn about the musical’s record-breaking Broadway revival, its many celebrity casts, how to get tickets, and all that jazz.

Gillian Russo

Enter a world of jazz, crime, and razzle dazzle at Chicago on Broadway. Set in the 1920s and based on real events, this satirical show follows wannabe jazz age stars who get their fame not just for their singing or dancing talent, but for committing murders that make sensationalized headlines all across the city of Chicago.

But even though their lawyer claims all you need is razzle dazzle — that “long as you keep them way off balance, how can they spot you’ve got no talents?” — Chicago’s success isn’t built on artifice; the musical showcases genuine talent in spades. Stars like Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, and Ann Reinking helped the show take off in its early days, and numerous stage and screen stars have since shown off their talents in the lead characters’ shoes.

Chicago was met with mixed reviews upon its 1975 premiere, but in the nearly 50 years since, the musical, its songs, and its choreography have all become an iconic part of Broadway history. The current production celebrated 25 years on Broadway in 2021 and has set and broken numerous records in that time. Read on to learn all about the history, casts, and fun facts of Chicago, and all the basic information you need to know before heading to the Ambassador Theatre to see the show on Broadway.

Get Chicago tickets now.

LT - CTA - 250

What is Chicago about?

Chicago centers on Roxie Hart, a chorus girl who dreams of being a vaudeville star. She’s cheating on her sweet but dim-witted husband named Amos — and when her lover tries to end their affair, she kills him in a fit of rage. Getting thrown in the Cook County Jail seems like a surefire end to Roxie’s dreams of stardom, but her sentence ends up being her ticket to fame.

Her lawyer, the smooth-talking Billy Flynn, helps her concoct a defense that earns the press’s sympathy and gets her face on the cover of every newspaper in Chicago. And while in jail, Roxie meets Velma Kelly, an established vaudeville star who murdered her husband and sister.

 » Read More

2020 Metropolitan Chicago Jewish Population Study

Janet Krasner Aronson, Matthew A. Brookner, and Leonard Saxe

October 2021

Chicago report coverThis comprehensive study of the Jewish population of Metropolitan Chicago, sponsored by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago (JUF), was conducted with NORC at the University of Chicago.

The Jewish population of Chicago has grown modestly since 2010: 319,600 Jewish adults and children live in 175,800 Jewish households. By providing detailed data about the diversity of Jewish life and the well-being of community members, the comprehensive study will serve as the springboard for Chicago organizations and agencies to develop programs and policies to better meet community needs and interests.

Specifically, the study:

  • Estimates the number of Jewish adults and children in the community and the number of non-Jewish adults and children who are part of those households
  • Describes the community in terms of age and gender, geographic distribution, and other
    sociodemographic characteristics
  • Describes health and economic conditions and vulnerabilities
  • Measures participation in community programs, Jewish institutions, along with reasons for
    participation and barriers to increased participation
  • Understands the multifaceted cultural, communal, and religious expressions of Judaism that
    constitute Jewish engagement
  • Assesses attitudes toward Jewish life and Israel

Among the key findings:

  • The 2020 estimate of the Chicago Jewish population is 319,600 Jewish adults and children who live in 175,800 Jewish households. An additional 100,700 non-Jewish individuals live in these households, for a total of 420,300 people in Jewish households. About one-in-18 households in Metropolitan Chicago has at least one Jewish adult and about one-in-25 Chicagoans is Jewish.
  • Following national trends, a large percentage of Jewish adults (44%) do not affiliate with a denomination. But many in this group engage in Jewish ritual, communal, and cultural Jewish life.
  • One-in-five households are struggling to make ends meet, reporting that they are “not making ends meet” or “just managing to make ends meet.” Of Jewish households that are struggling, 59% reported their financial situation had gotten worse since the pandemic.
  • The greatest single service need is for mental health services— 24% of Jewish households with a health issue needed these services in the past six months. The need for mental health services is significantly higher among young adults ages 22–39.

 » Read More

48 Fun Holiday Events For Kids In Western Suburbs – Chicago Parent

Celebrate the holidays in the Western Suburbs with the whole family! Read some of our picks below and find the most updated list on our calendar. Don’t forget to check out other kid-friendly holiday events in the city, North/Northwest Suburbs and South Suburbs.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Holiday Exhibit

When: Nov. 7-Dec. 22

Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster Street, Naperville

A historic look at a seminal story written in 1823 that continues to endear itself to contemporary audiences. Told through community-provided collections in partnership with the Golden Glow of Christmas Past.

Wheaton Holiday House Walk

When: Nov. 16

Where: Town Square Wheaton, 271 Town Square, Wheaton

Many of Wheaton’s most beautiful homes, decorated for the season, are open to the public with Flight members as your guides. The homes are all located in historic downtown Wheaton. New this year, guests may enjoy a coffee and cookie break while taking in the stained glass of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Festival of Lights Tree Lighting

When: Nov. 16

Where: The Promenade Bolingbrook, 631 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook

Visit with Santa and enjoy holiday activities before the lighting of the tree. Activities include cookie decorating, ornament making, costume character meet & greet, balloon artists and more. Tree lighting begins at 6:15 p.m.

Winter Lights Holiday Walk

When: Nov. 22

Where: Water Street Mall, 24 E. Downer Place, Aurora

The twinkling lit streets will be filled with live music, costumed characters, live ice sculpting, local art, food vendors, festive photo-ops, live reindeer, trackless train and Christkindlmarket. The official City of Aurora Holiday Tree will be illuminated by Mayor Weisner, Miss Merry Christmas and Mr. Jack Frost.

Illumination: Tree Lights

When: Nov. 23-Jan. 5

Where: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle,

Illumination brings lights and nature together to transform a wintertime walk in the woods into an awe-inspiring experience. Walk a mile-long path to marvel at trees illuminated in colors and interact with lighted trees that respond to voice or touch.

Naper Lights

When: Nov. 26-Dec. 27

Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St.,

 » Read More

Fun Ways To Celebrate Leap Day In Chicagoland

Leap Day comes around once every four years on the last day in February. Although Leap Day is not an official holiday, it’s still a fun day to celebrate.

Check out these Leap Day events in and around Chicagoland to enjoy as a family.

Leap Day Celebration at Gage Park Branch

Feb. 29, 2024

All ages can visit Gage Park Branch for a Leap Day Celebration with games and crafts. Registration required.

Leap Day Story Time at Garfield Ridge Branch

Feb. 29, 2024

Children ages 3-5 can join the Garfield Ridge Branch for a fun story time to celebrate Leap Day. Registration required.

Leap Day Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School – Mundelein

Feb. 29, 2024

Enjoy a fun, family-friendly event at Goldfish Swim School – Mundelein to celebrate Leap Day. RSVP required.

Leap Day Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School – Naperville

Feb. 29, 2024

Enjoy a fun, family-friendly event at Goldfish Swim School – Naperville to celebrate Leap Day. RSVP required.

Leap Day Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School – Northbrook

Feb. 29, 2024

Enjoy a fun, family-friendly event at Goldfish Swim School – Northbrook to celebrate Leap Day. RSVP required.

This article originally published on Feb. 16, 2016. It has been updated with the most recent information. 

Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.

Kari Zaffarano

Kari Zaffarano

Kari Zaffarano is a mom of one and Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator. She tracks down the best events every week and shares the inside scoop with families in print and online. She enjoys reading, traveling and exploring new places with her son.

 » Read More

Best Halloween Events For Kids In Chicago And Suburbs

When spooky season arrives in Chicagoland, local businesses and attractions go all out to offer plenty of Halloween fun for kids. The best part is that you can celebrate Halloween during the whole month of October!

Chicago and the suburbs offers a variety of kid-friendly events featuring costume parades, hands-on activities, trick-or-treating and so much more. Here are some of our spooktacular picks you don’t want to miss.

Looking for more fun things to do with kids this fall? Check out our fall family guide!

City Photo credit: Color Factory Photo Credit: Peppa Pig World of Play
Brick-or-Treat Presents: Monster Party at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago

Sept. 29-Oct. 31, 2023

Join the Monsters as they take over LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago to enjoy boo-tastic activities and a limited time 4D Halloween movie, ‘The Great Monster Chase!’. Also, a glow-in-the-dark LEGO zone, haunted MINILAND scavenger hunt, not-so-scary giveaways and more. Come in costume.

Jack O’ Lantern World in Lake Zurich

Sept. 29-Oct. 29, 2023

Walk through thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns created by more than 50 artists make up 17 immersive and whimsical fall displays. Enjoy food and beverage from some of your favorite local food trucks.

Peppa’s Spooktacular Halloween Storytime Event! at Peppa Pig World of Play Chicago

Oct. 1-31, 2023

Families with littles can join Peppa Pig World of Play Chicago for a special Halloween story, meet and greet with Peppa, activity trail and more.

The Halloween Experience at Camp Big Timber

Oct. 6-29, 2023

Enjoy Chicagoland’s only Halloween music and light show drive-thru at Camp Big Timber. It’s all spooky and never scary. For all ages.

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest & Skeleton Invasion

Oct.

 » Read More

Exciting Father’s Day Events To Make Dad Feel Special

This Father’s Day, whether you’re celebrating Dad at breakfast or brunch, or hitting the trails for a walk or fishing expedition, the father figure in your life is sure to enjoy his day with an event on this list.

There are also plenty of ideas to help the kids make their own cards and gifts for Dad.

Looking for more fun things to do with kids? Check out our summer family guide!

This article was recently updated on May 9, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her updating Father’s Day events in Chicagoland and adding new Father’s Day events for families. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.

Father’s Day Events near me in Chicago Father’s Day Craft at Vodak-East Side Branch

June 13, 2024

Ages 3-13 can come out to Vodak-East Side Branch to celebrate your father figure with a special craft for Father’s Day.

Father’s Day Premier Plus Brunch Cruise on the Chicago River

June 16, 2024

Spend Father’s Day on the water with an upscale brunch that includes a chef-prepared dinner, wine and cocktails, live entertainment and incredible views of Chicago. For all ages.

Father’s Day Signature Dinner on Lake Michigan at Navy Pier

June 16, 202

Spend Father’s Day on the water with a chef-prepared dinner, cocktails and incredible views of Chicago. For all ages.

Father’s Day Events near me in the North/Northwest Suburbs Father’s Day Forest Find at Heller Nature Center

June 16, 2024

Dads accompanying their children or grandchildren can work together to solve a Father’s Day scavenger hunt. For ages 6-plus. Registration required.

Lambs Farm Father’s Day Brunch at Magnolia Cafe & Bakery

June 16, 2024

 » Read More

Exciting Chicagoland Events For Tweens And Teens

It seems like teens and tweens are always looking for something fun to do. Now that school is back in session and your older kids will want to hang out with new friends outside of the classroom, you’ll want to find some activities that you approve of, too. We’ve compiled a list of fun (and safe) events that are sure to be a hit!

Check out our online calendar for even more family events and things to do with teens.

Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition at Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Jan. 15-April 21, 2024

The longest-running exhibition of African-American art in the U.S. features more than 100 dynamic works of art from amateur and professional African-American artists from around the nation, as well as a youth category which features work by a dozen area high school artists.

In The Heights at Marriott Theatre

Jan. 24-March 17, 2024

In The Heights is a 2008 Tony Award Winning musical about a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood. It was created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was also the creator of Hamilton.

Billy Elliot The Musical at Paramount Theatre

Feb. 7-March 24, 2024

See the musical about an 11-year-old English boy named Billy Elliot who stumbles upon a ballet class during his weekly boxing lesson. Hear music by Elton John at this performance.

Titanic: The Exhibition at Westfield Old Orchard

Feb. 16-April 21, 2024

This immersive touring exhibition is a narrative journey that brings to light the fates of the passengers and crew aboard the sinking ship, Titanic.

Red Clay Dance Company presents Afro-Caribbean Dance at Douglass Branch

Feb. 20, 2024

Teens ages 13 and up can enjoy a lecture and demonstration,

 » Read More

Free Things To Do With Kids In Chicagoland

The Chicago area offers so much family fun ranging from amazing museums, thrill-seeking attractions and unique desserts. But when going out with kids, we know some of these excursions can get really expensive. 

Sometimes we want to visit a kid-friendly place without spending a dime. Lucky for us, Chicago and the surrounding suburbs offer some great, free options for families. We gathered some of our favorite free things to do with kids in Chicagoland — both indoor and outdoor!

And if you’re looking for more budget-friendly ideas, find free local events in our online calendar and save the dates for these upcoming free museum days.

City Photo Credit: Choose Chicago/Abel Arciniega
Chicago Cultural Center

Exploring in this grand old building can be a ton of fun on its own (it’s home to the world’s largest Tiffany stained glass dome). There are also free art exhibits, dance events and concerts.

Garfield Park Conservatory

Tropical palms and delicate exotic flowers will make you think that you’re not in Chicago as you explore Garfield Park Conservatory. Families can spend plenty of time at the Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden, too.

Harold Washington Library Center

Neighborhood libraries are great, but this library located downtown is pretty amazing. Inside, you’ll find the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library that offers activities and learning materials for kids of all ages.

Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park

Once a landfill, this nature park has transformed to an urban oasis where families can explore wetland terraces and get a great view of our great city skyline.

Lincoln Park Conservancy

Located steps away from the free Lincoln Park Zoo, this conservatory brings fresh, green foliage and plants to a Victorian-style Glass House. Stroll through a Palm House, an Orchid House, a Fern Room and an impressive show house.

 » Read More

41 Fun Holiday Events For Kids In North/Northwest Suburbs – Chicago Parent

Celebrate the holidays in the North/Northwest Suburbs of Chicago with the whole family! Read some of our picks below and find the most updated list on our calendar. Don’t forget to check out other kid-friendly holiday events in the city, South Suburbs and Western Suburbs.

Santa HQ at Fashion Outlets of Chicago

When: Nov. 8-Dec. 24

Where: Fashion Outlets of Chicago, 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont

Santa HQ invites families to experience the wonder of Santa’s workshop in the digital and social media age. In addition to a custom photo opportunity with Santa Claus, visitors can use the workshop’s magic mirror to transform into one of Santa’s elves. Guests can virtually change their elf’s outfits, receive customized “Magic Mirror” collector cards and more.

Christmas Town at Summerfield Zoo

When: Nov. 15-Dec. 24

Where: Summerfield Farm & Zoo, 3088 Flora Rd., Belvidere

Check out Santa’s Reindeer Barn with Santa’s entire sleigh team of reindeer, then visit with Santa Claus. Kids will earn a “stable elf” diploma and take part in baby reindeer flight school training sessions.

Lightscape

When: Nov. 22-Jan. 5

Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe

Along a mile-long path, the night comes alive with color, imagination, and sound, from a playful choir of singing trees to a spectacular waterfall of light. At times, you’ll find yourself in the center of it all — stepping inside a cathedral of golden light, walking down an avenue of luminous linden trees, moving through colorful ribbons of light.

A Christmas Carol

When: Nov. 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, Dec. 1, 6, 7 & 8

Where: Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock

Join Ebenezer Scrooge as he journeys through the Christmases of Past, Present, and Christmas Yet to Come with his ghostly guides. Let the merry Christmas carols, enchanting children, wonderful characters, and colorful costumes welcome you into the Christmas season.

Long Grove Holiday Festivities

When: Nov. 23-Dec. 23

Where: 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove

An old-fashioned celebration comes alive in a picture-perfect holiday setting! Victorian buildings trimmed in lights, a covered bridge and cobblestone walkways lined in luminaries in beautiful historic Long Grove.

 » Read More