Glamour to Reward Good Grades

Kids should just think learning is fun, say the owners of a small boutique in downtown La Grange, but a little reward never hurt—especially if it's a Justin Bieber poster.

To encourage kids to excel in their classes this school year, , located at 20 E. Burlington Ave. in downtown La Grange, is helping parents by giving kids some motivation.

"Education is number one to us," said owner Maritza Thompson at her shop recently. "There aren't too many businesses pushing education. We want to make it fun."

The owners of the kid friendly boutique have the experience to back up their program too. Both owners, Thompson and her business partner Kefah Suhail, are full-time teachers in District 104 in Bedford Park in addition to owning Glamour.

"We get to see a lot of kids," Thompson laughed. "A reward can sometimes help."

This year, kids can bring in a progress report, teacher review or report card to gain points at the store, which they can then redeem for merchandise. Kids will get points for each A, B or C grade their achieve, or for good reviews. Point totals are still being decided, Thompson said, but suggested 100 points would earn kids $10 in store credit.

Although Glamour tends to lean towards items that would appeal to young girls, Thompson said there would be some new items in the store more specifically geared toward the boys too.

The owners' plan to push education at the store this year doesn’t stop there either. The owners are also developing a reading program to get kids excited to read the classics—book series like the Babysitter's Club and Goosebumps.

"Everyone loves those books," Thompson said. "It's easy to get [kids reading] when it's something they enjoy."

For more information about these programs, contact at 708-310-2616, or swing by the shop.