Littlebrook History

Fun Facts!

• Built in 1956, Littlebrook was the first elementary school built in Princeton. In the 1980s, it was closed down for five years due to low enrollment, before reopening in 1988. 

• The trails surrounding Littlebrook School are named the "RAG trails" after former principal (and local superhero!) Robert "Bob" A. Ginsberg.

• Princeton Symphony Orchestra was founded by former Littlebrook music teacher, Portia Sonnenfeld (pictured below, teaching from a cart). After her time at Littlebrook, Sonnenfeld became the orchestra program director at Princeton High School.

• Ravioli is the school's giraffe mascot! Ravioli has been with the school since the late 1950s. The giraffe spent many years in the Kindergarten classroom of nationally-recognized teacher, Evelyn Saldick (NY Times profile). Ravioli was later gifted to the school upon Mrs. Saldick's retirement. The Ravioli that greets you today in the lobby is the 2nd generation Ravioli, after the original Ravioli was worn out from too much love. 

While Littlebrook was closed in the 1980s, Ravioli was stored at nearby Riverside Elementary School. When Littlebrook reopened in 1988, there was a small parade from Riverside to Littlebrook, featuring Ravioli and Littlebrook Principal Bob Ginsberg.

• The brook that runs through Littlebrook campus is called Harry's Brook.

• Before Littlebrook was built it was the site of Princeton sewer grounds. The biggest issue getting to school when Littlebrook opened in 1956 was the mud, as none of the roads were paved. Some things never change!

Hope you enjoyed Littlebrook history! Please contact kaldunn@gmail.com to add to our collection.