Dear WEOP Families,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I am honored to continue serving as the Director of the Woodlake Educational Options Program (WEOP). After nearly two decades of teaching and leading within this community, most recently as the long-time teacher at Woodlake Community Day School, it remains my greatest privilege to support our students and families through every phase of their educational journey.

At WEOP, we believe every student deserves a pathway that meets their unique needs, challenges them to grow, and equips them for success in life beyond high school. Whether your student is enrolled at Bravo Lake High School, Woodlake Community Day School, or Woodlake Independent Study, our team is committed to providing an academically rich, emotionally supportive, and future-focused learning environment.

WEOP is not just a placement, it’s a purposeful program. We offer alternative paths to graduation and ensure that every student has access to WUSD graduation requirements, tailored academic instruction, social-emotional support, and college and career readiness planning. Our mission is rooted in understanding and responding to the whole child, especially those who may need something different than the traditional high school model.

Every new student and their family participates in a personalized WEOP Orientation, where we review policies, expectations, academic standing, support resources, and opportunities for engagement. Once enrolled, students meet regularly with our Academic Counselor to monitor their credit progress and post-secondary plans, and with our WEOP Social Worker to strengthen life skills, mental wellness, and personal goal-setting.

Please know that we are here for you every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking resources, encouragement, or direction, the WEOP team is ready to support you. We invite you to explore the many resources in this handbook and to stay connected through our main office at (559) 564-8716.

Wishing you a meaningful and successful school year ahead!

Warm regards,

Melissa Lawson

Director

Woodlake Educational Options Program