Baltimore City school officials warn students about conduct after chaos at The Rotunda

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Baltimore City Public Schools officials issued a warning to students and families after a large gathering of teens at The Rotunda in north Baltimore ended with fights and a shattered storefront window.

In a statement released Wednesday, the district said the behavior “does not reflect the standard of excellence we uphold,” and emphasized that expectations for student conduct extend beyond the school day.

ALSO READ | Police call Rotunda incident a ‘large gathering of youth’ after fight, property damage

“(Students) are expected to make good, safe, and responsible choices while traveling to and from school and that their actions during transit hours may be subject to the student code of conduct,” the statement said. The district also urged families to talk with children about expectations.

The district’s response followed a gathering of up to 200 teens at The Rotunda on Monday afternoon, after the first day of classes for Baltimore City Public Schools. The crowd prompted a response from Baltimore City Police. The gathering ended after fights and a shattered storefront window.

Surveillance video from Cinnaholic, shared by the bakery, showed two juveniles crashing through the glass storefront while on an electric scooter. Police called it an accident.

Some parents and community members expressed frustration over what happened.

“The kids have taken over. They have no discipline,” Keyana Jackson said. “Parenting needs to be stronger, policing needs to be stronger.”

Another woman said, “I think the students should be held accountable for misbehaving.”

The school system’s statement pointed to the student code of conduct, which allows for a range of disciplinary responses when student behavior becomes an issue, including a talk with the student and parent or guardian, or more serious consequences such as suspension or expulsion.

“I believe a lot of these kids are choosing to do this. They have good parents, they come from good homes. A lot of the parents don’t know what they’re out here doing, trusting that their children are going to do the right thing once they leave for school,” Jackson said.

Helen Moore, a grandparent, said, “I really think that’s the parent’s responsibility initially before your children leave out in the morning. To remind them to be responsible for their actions and their behavior.”

Similar teen gatherings have happened elsewhere in the region. A spring meet-up at White Marsh Mall ended with the arrests of two teens charged with armed robbery and assault, raising public safety concerns in Baltimore County.

Follow FOX45 reporter Keith Daniels on X and Facebook. Send tips to Kdaniels@sbgtv.com.