“We have never felt so appreciated!” Chapter Leader Nancy Wagner was speaking of herself and her PS 71, Ridgewood, colleagues, who enjoyed a week of daily surprises arranged by Principal Indiana Soto throughout Teacher Appreciation Week. On Monday, May 5, staff walked into a surprise breakfast. But there was more: a week of expressions of appreciation that included a personalized certificate of excellence with a balloon attached, pots of flowers and homemade cupcakes iced to resemble the school mascot, an owl, on top. And on Friday there were balloon-filled halls and a red carpet to let everyone know just how special they are. Wagner said each day brought a new and “truly real surprise” from a principal who arrived less than a year ago, but has already turned the school around. She said “enthusiasm and great programs” have replaced the low morale and high teacher turnover of the preceding few years. “There’s so much going on,” Wagner said, describing a new collaborative spirit at the school.