Seymour-Jackson Elementary School kindergartner Jacklyn Cole looks at books for sale at the school's annual book fair Tuesday. January Rutherford

Seymour-Jackson Elementary School students and their families went on a wild safari scavenger hunt in the school gymnasium Tuesday evening.

The event was an opportunity to promote literacy and engage parents and guardians in their child’s education, said Title I Instructional Coach Whitney Reinhart.

“We are wild about reading,” Reinhart said.

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She estimated around 100 families attended.

Upon arrival, students received a plastic safari hat to wear and had to read and analyze clues, taking them from one 6-foot cardboard animal to another.

After completing the animal scavenger hunt, families made their way to the library for the annual Scholastic book fair, where students could purchase books. This year’s book fair had a safari theme and included many books about animals.

Kindergartener Evan Ingalsbe said his favorite animal of the safari was the cheetah.

“Because it’s super fast,” he said.

His mother, Paige Ingalsbe, said she appreciates the school’s efforts to get children excited about learning.

“I try to always make it a point to go to those things because it’s fun for him, and I want him to be involved with school stuff like that,” she said.

In the fall, Jackson students participated in a family math night with fun games reinforcing math skills.

“We recognize that positive parent and family engagement is essential to student achievement, and we encourage parental involvement through many of our school events throughout the year,” Reinhart said.

Title I is a federally funded program for qualifying schools to provide students with extra instructional support and services during the school day and unique learning opportunities throughout the year.

Jackson will host families again March 5 for story night honoring Dr. Seuss.