(PECOS, TX) – On Tuesday October 20, VLK joined Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD, BTC, and the Pecos community to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the academic and athletic wings at Pecos High School. The projects are part of the district’s full transformation of PHS into a connected, modern campus, bringing academics, career and technical education, athletics, and student life together under one roof.
The three-story academic wing was designed with student and teacher wellness as a primary priority. Natural daylight, views of the outdoors, biophilic design elements, and a variety of indoor and outdoor environments are intended to reduce stress, encourage social interaction, and create a greater sense of belonging. The wing’s central library, multilevel large group collaboration spaces, and small meeting spaces give students choice in how and where they learn, whether working alone, with classmates, or one-on-one with a teacher.
“It’s exciting to see the continued transformation of Pecos High School and the district’s vision becoming a reality,” said Monika Castillo, Principal-in-Charge at VLK. “These new spaces create opportunities for students and teachers to connect, collaborate, and thrive.”
The intentional design of this building is already changing how the school operates. Rather than scheduling multiple lunch periods, the school brings all students together for one shared lunch period, using the cafeteria, collaborative learning spaces, and outdoor plazas throughout campus. Students can eat, socialize, study, or catch up on work before the second half of the school day. The cafeteria opens to an outdoor plaza, extending the commons into a blended indoor and outdoor environment.
Recognizing the importance of educator well-being, the academic wing includes a dedicated teacher wellness space, a retreat where teachers can decompress during the school day with an adjoining private outdoor balcony. Dedicated teacher collaboration and planning areas support professional interaction and teamwork.
Two enclosed sky bridges create continuous, secure indoor circulation between the academic wing, CTE wing, and athletic wing. One overlooks the central student plaza, and the other offers views of the athletic field. Students no longer need to travel outdoors between these buildings and have a sense of connectedness to the campus.
The athletic wing supports physical education, competitive athletics, and extracurricular activities with an emphasis on flexibility and shared use and community. Pecos Eagles branding and school colors are integrated throughout both wings to reinforce school identity and pride.
“Be proud of this school. Be proud of our students. And be proud of the community that made it possible,” said Chris Henson, Superintendent, Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD. “Because this isn’t just a new building. This is Pecos High School. This is our community. And this is the next chapter for generations of Pecos Eagles.”
The new academic and athletic wings were funded as a part of the voter approved 2023 bond. The phased, comprehensive rebuilding of Pecos High School also includes a fine arts wing and competition gymnasium that are currently under construction, expected to open in summer of 2028.
