The Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Education Foundation teamed up to tip off summer break by delivering books straight into the hands of thousands of Dallas ISD students.
Through the Slam Dunk into Summer Reading initiative, more than 30,000 high-quality books were distributed to 15,000 elementary students at Dallas ISD’s 28 Pathway to Excellence and Strategic Support Schools, ensuring children had access to diverse, engaging, and age-appropriate books right as summer began.
At campuses across the district, students lit up with excitement as they browsed tables stacked with colorful, engaging books. For many, it was a rare chance to select a brand-new book of their own that truly reflected their interests and identities. “I picked The Babysitters Club,” said Ellie, a third grader from Macon Elementary. “It was nice that I got books to take home and read over the summer!”
For Helen, a bilingual second grader at Saldivar Elementary, the event offered both excitement and opportunity: “These books are going to help me practice more of my reading in English at home. I chose a book about animals because my favorite pets are cats and dogs.”
Da’viyonna, a 4th grader from Neely Elementary, stated, “It made me happy to be able to read over the summer.”
Educators saw firsthand the impact of this simple but powerful gesture. “My students received really high-quality, beautiful books to enjoy over the summer,” said Ms. Marco, a third-grade bilingual teacher at Saldivar Elementary School. “This motivates them to continue reading and learning.”
At Cuellar Elementary, second-grade teacher Ms. Perez-Urbina was thrilled for her students: “These books are amazing. I am impressed by the quality and level of diversity that were given to students. The kids were really excited.”
That excitement was felt deeply by the students, too. Jackson, a fifth grader at Cuellar, couldn’t wait to dive into his selections. “It was so hard to choose only a few. I wanted more! I’m already halfway through one of my books. I haven’t stopped reading since I got it.”
The enthusiasm carried over to teachers and school leaders who saw the event as more than just a book distribution—it was a meaningful investment in student success. “Reading opens a door for a child’s imagination with endless possibilities,” said Ms. Hernandez-Garcia, third-grade bilingual teacher at W.A. Blair Elementary. “Thank you for giving my students books that are much needed for this long summer. We were ALL very ecstatic.”
Providing books to students to build their home libraries ensures students and families are both involved in the learning process. Dr. Feliciano, second-grade teacher at John Quincy Adams Elementary, echoed this sentiment: “This is a great opportunity for our kids to read with their families and talk about what they read! Thank you, Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Education Foundation!”
At Marcus Leadership Academy, the event drew community leaders, Dallas ISD administrators, and campus staff, all rallying around the importance of literacy. “It was inspiring and energizing,” said Arturo Navarro, a teacher at the school. “I’m grateful to the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Education Foundation for investing in our students and our community.”
Thanks to this partnership, students not only left the school year with books in their hands, they stepped into summer with a sense of ownership over their learning, a renewed love of reading, and the confidence to write their own next chapter.
