Maverick Reading Program Overview - University of Texas Arlington Athletics

Maverick Reading Program

A. Who Can Participate?

The Mavericks Reading Program is free and open to Pre-K through 5th grade students in the following school districts:

HEB ISD
Mansfield ISD
Arlington ISD
Grand Prairie ISD
Fort Worth ISD

B. Program Rules

Students can earn rewards by reading grade-level books between October 19th, 2026, and Feb 12, 2027.
The school coordinator will log completed books. Therefore, UTA Athletics can track student progress and rewards.
Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade students may have books read to them by a parent or guardian.
Students with learning disabilities may listen to audiobooks and/or have books read to them by a parent or guardian.
Students of all reading levels and abilities are encouraged to participate.

C. School Coordinator

Each school should choose one staff member to serve as the Mavericks Reading Program Coordinator.

This person will:

Share program materials with teachers.
Help coordinate the program within the school.
Serve as the main contact with UTA Athletics.
Many schools choose a librarian or reading specialist, but any staff member may serve in this role.
School registration deadline: Wednesday, October 12th 2026

D. Reading Goals & Rewards

Pre-K through 3rd Grade

Read 5 grade-level books to earn:
3 ticket vouchers for a Mavericks Reading Basketball Game
4th & 5th Grade
Read 3 grade-level books to earn:
3 ticket vouchers for a Mavericks Reading Basketball Game
*Bonus Competition*
The school with the highest participation across all participating districts at select schools each month will receive recognition at select basketball games throughout the season.
The grade-level that has the highest participation through the duration of the program will receive a pizza party and a feature at a select UTA athletics game.

E. Suggested Timeline for Teachers & Staff

After you receive materials

Introduce the Reading Program to students.

Explain the reading goals and rewards.

Share the digital parent letter with instructions for logging completed books with the school coordinator.

October 2026 – February 2027

Remind students and families to log complete books online.

Share the digital parent letter with students who complete the program, including ticket redemption details.

Share staff ticket information with faculty and staff.

Encourage students to keep reading and reach their goals!