Spartan JAM 2026

Overview

We are excited to welcome new Spartans into the York Tech community! As part of our orientation activities, we will be conducting New Student Day and Spartan JAM on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, for all new students entering Grades 9-10. These students will be transported to York Tech via the regular bus schedule.

Preparation

In order to prepare for the activities planned, we ask new students to do the following:

• Before Aug. 18, 2026

  • Attend New Student Night on Aug. 13 to pick up a laptop, receive a Spartan JAM classroom assignment, pick up a Spartan JAM t-shirt, resolve scheduling and transportation issues, and more.

• On Aug. 18, 2026

  • Wear closed-toe sneakers and weather-appropriate pants. While shorts are a violation of the York Tech dress code during the school year, they are permitted on Aug. 18.

  • Wear the free Spartan JAM t-shirt. Students who do not pick up their shirt during New Student Night will receive one on Aug. 18.

  • Students should bring the school-issued laptops they picked up during New Student Night

Spartan JAM Itinerary

Upon arrival to school, students who did not receive their Spartan JAM classroom assignment, Spartan JAM t-shirt, and school-issued laptop during New Student Night should visit the informational table inside the Queen Street lobby. After all students have arrived, they will complete four sessions:

• A-day schedules walkthrough

• Breakfast

• Spartan JAM

• Rotation of activities

  • Lunch

  • Technology distribution and setup

  • Get involved stations

• B-day schedules walkthrough

Purpose

Spartan JAM is a high-energy learning adventure during which the Class of 2030 (along with new students entering Grade 10) will gain an experiential understanding of collaboration, communication, trust and support, creative problem solving, effective decision making, and leading and following. Students will be divided into teams and complete a large number of fun activities. Teams find ways to manage time, work together, value differences, utilize resources, and celebrate successes.

Lunch

At the conclusion of Spartan JAM, students will be provided a school lunch. Lunch will be free of charge for all students, and an alternate choice will be available for those with special dietary restrictions.

Closing

It is our hope that students will use the lessons learned on this day and become a valuable contributor to the positive learning environment at York Tech. Additionally, new students will be comfortable and motivated to begin the year after gaining a clear understanding of what it means to be a York Tech Spartan.

We are looking forward to the New Student Day and Spartan JAM on Aug. 18! Please contact the High School Office with any questions about these events.