A March 17 student-initiated event at Deering High School featuring speakers discussing the "History of Drag and Queer Joy" is drawing a lot of public attention. Interim Co-Superintendents Melea Nalli and Aaron Townsend shared a letter with the PPS community on March 15 making clear that the Portland Public Schools values student voice and supports student participation and leadership in a variety of groups and conversations that align with their interests, aspirations and identities – including this conversation. Read the superintendents’ letter.