The Independent School community is celebrating some very happy news with the Kossen family this week!

Mrs. Ali Kossen and her family recently welcomed baby William Shepherd Kossen (“Shep”) into the world on May 16 at 4:30 a.m. Shep weighed 8 pounds, measured 21 inches long, and has already completely stolen hearts across our Panther community.

Mrs. Kossen has been part of TIS for five years, teaching an impressive range of upper school math courses including Geometry, College Algebra, AP Precalculus, AP Calculus AB & BC, and Differential Equations. Beyond the classroom, she also leads students in competitive math relays and has become known for creating an environment where students feel both challenged and deeply supported.

Students know her as the kind of teacher who makes difficult concepts approachable, celebrates growth, and genuinely cares about each student who walks into her classroom.

Now, alongside her husband and their two older boys, the Kossen family is adjusting to life with one more little Panther in the house — and by all accounts, baby Shep is already very loved.

We are so excited for the entire Kossen family during this special season and cannot wait to watch Shep grow up surrounded by such a wonderful family and community.

Congratulations, Kossen family!