To optimize Google Classroom for distance learning a new approach is needed. It is more important than ever to organise content in a way that is logical and easy for the student to follow. Sam Kary from New EdTech Classroom offers some great suggestion on how to use Google Classroom for distance learning.
It's a really good idea to create topics like this (Remote Teaching March 23-27) in the Classwork area. This makes it easy for students to keep track current assignments.
Google Classroom is awesome but it's not a class webpage. Parents are not students in your Classroom, so a site can be a great way to communicate. Use the Copy Link in Classroom to bring students from the site back to your Google Classroom class.