Connect Newsletter (Oct. 14, 2025)

Thank You and Next Steps in Our Microsoft 365 Journey

An Update from the Microsoft 365 Team at Cook Children’s:

We want to begin by thanking everyone for their patience and support as we completed the move from on-premises Exchange to Microsoft 365 Exchange Online and rolled out Cook Children’s Mobile Services. We know this transition wasn’t easy for everyone, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and cooperation as we navigated the complexities and timing adjustments that came with this effort.

These upgrades are an important step in modernizing our technology environment — improving performance, security, and reliability while giving all of us access to the latest tools that support how we work and care for patients.

With this milestone behind us, we’re moving forward with the next phase of our Microsoft 365 transformation:

What’s Next

Shared Mailboxes and Distribution Groups
Migration will begin Oct. 27. Given the large number of mailboxes and groups, we anticipate this work will continue through early February 2026.
Check the M365 site here for status updates and progress reports.

Microsoft 365 Desktop Applications
Beginning Nov. 5 through Jan. 15, we’ll start replacing Microsoft Office 2016 with the new Microsoft 365 desktop apps.
Learn more about what to expect on the M365 site.

Windows 11 Upgrade
Starting March 2026, we’ll begin upgrading to Windows 11 system wide.
More details will be shared on the M365 site as the date approaches.

Your engagement and feedback have been invaluable in getting us here. Thank you again for helping us make this transition a success as we continue building a more modern, secure, and connected environment for Cook Children’s.

With appreciation,
The M365 Team

Construction Update:  Terrell Garage Parking Impacted

Parking in the Terrell Garage will be impacted due to construction on Sixth Street. Starting on Monday, Oct. 20, all physician parking in the affected area (see map) must enter through the Emergency Department patient/family entrance and exit through what is currently the physician parking area entrance. 

A portion of the garage is going to be restriped. Do not park in this area from Thursday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 19. 

Then, from Oct. 20 to Dec. 29, the flow of parking on the lower level will change and physician parking will be in the opposite direction that it is now. 

Please allow extra time for your commute and plan ahead to ensure you arrive for your shift on time.

Please utilize the construction website for the most up to date information. Changes can occur daily so please rely on and bookmark: Construction Updates | Cook Children's Medical Center. 

Revised Parking Garage Flow Alert: L1 Direction Change

Please be aware of a recent change in the parking garage at Seventh and Pennsylvania avenues.

Between Oct. 18-20, the Level L1 ramp will be closed. Because of this closure, the Seventh Avenue entrance will be closed, and drivers will only be able to enter from Pennsylvania Avenue. All parking will still be available during this time.

We understand this is a change from the usual route, so please pay extra attention to the arrows and new signage to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Flagmen will also be on-site to help direct traffic. Please view the direction changes on the map or download the map on the right-hand side of this page under downloads. 

Flu Vaccines Available at Occupational Health

Employees who still need a flu vaccine can stop by Occupational Health in Fort Worth to get their shot before Friday’s deadline.

The influenza vaccine requirement is an annual compliance at Cook Children’s. You must get your flu shot by Oct. 17.

Occupational Health is located at 901 Seventh Ave. on the fourth floor. No appointment is needed if you come for your vaccine between 7-11:45 a.m. and 12:30-5 p.m. To request a shot during the period from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., please send an email with your preferred time to Occhealth@cookchildrens.org.

If you received your flu shot at your doctor's office or a pharmacy, click here to upload proof of vaccination on the Enterprise Health portal. 

• Failure to complete by deadline – Written Warning
• Failure to complete within next 14 days – Final Written Warning
• Failure to complete within next 14 days – Suspension

Thank you for helping protect our patients, patient families and one another from infection this flu season. 

Language Services Department Offers 200+ Languages to Empower Families

The goal of the dedicated staff in Cook Children's Language Services Department is to help ease the stress for patient families who don't speak the same language as health care providers coming into the room. The department provides interpretation and translation services for patients and guardians across the hospital system. 

Interpretation deals with the spoken language while translation converts written text. But interpreters are not just a link between patient and provider; Cook Children’s interpreters provide empathy, connection and a sense of safety for families. Read more on the Connect Newsroom about the work Language Services Department offers families.  

Employee Relations Popups Updates for Magnolia Primary Care and Henderson Primary Care

The Employee Relations Team continues their tour in an effort to meet as many of you as possible. They will meet with Fort Worth Magnolia Primary Care and Fort Worth Henderson Primary Care on Oct. 15. 

POPUPs are designed to IMPACT (Interactive Meetings Promoting Accountability, Communication and Trust) between YOU and human resources. We know your busy schedules don’t allow you to give us a call or send an email to ask your questions, therefore, we’re coming to you! This is your opportunity to engage in one-on-one private conversations with Human Resources, ask questions and spin the wheel to win Cook Children's swag. 

Save Money on Halloween Gear While Helping Child Life

Spirit Halloween is adding a little magic to spooky season by helping you save while supporting Cook Children’s. Show the coupon linked on the Cook Children's Health Foundation website to save 10% on your purchase and donate 10% to Child Life at Cook Children’s. 

The Child Life specialists are experts in FUN, providing comfort through art, music and furry friend cuddles, all while keeping our young patients on track developmentally. You can support their work and spark healing by visiting Spirit Halloween today.

Dash Across DFW Steps Challenge with Personify Health

Log into Personify Health to join the Dash Across DFW challenge. This virtual challenge will start at Medical Center-Prosper and then you will walk virtually to different DFW landmarks and end at the Medical Center-Fort Worth. For step-by-step instructions on how to join the challenge see the registration information on the right-hand side of this page under the downloads tab. 

To enroll in Personify Health click here.

Already have an account? Click here to log in. 

If you have any questions, please email wellness@cookchildrens.org. 

Share Your Content with Us

Do you have any tips, ideas or content you would like us to know about? We want to hear from you! Please view our SharePoint site and email us at InternalCommunications@cookchildrens.org. 

To find more content about our employees and news you need to know, bookmark our Connect Newsroom website.