Tracking Class Time Precisely with Conky and Python

As a math teacher, timing is everything.

Between explaining a concept, writing on the board, and answering questions, it’s easy to lose track of time. In our context—tight schedules, short breaks, and special timetables like Ramadan—precision matters.

So I built a lightweight system that runs automatically when I start my PC and shows me one thing: how many minutes are left in the current class period.

🧠 Overview

This setup is based on two components:

•Conky: displays the result directly on the desktop

•Python: calculates the remaining time

The result is a large number on the screen that updates every second.

⚙️ Step 1: Startup Command

Add this command to your startup (e.g., .xprofile, .bashrc, or your window manager autostart):

nohup conky -c ~/.config/conky/regular_time </dev/null >/dev/null 2>&1 & disown

🖥️ Step 2: Conky Configuration

Create the file:

~/.config/conky/regular_time

And add:

conky.config = {
    use_xft = true,
    font = 'DejaVu Sans Mono:size=230',
    xftalpha = 0.1,
    update_interval = 1,

    own_window = true,
    own_window_type = "override",
    own_window_transparent = true,
    own_window_hints = "undecorated,below,sticky,skip_taskbar,skip_pager",

    alignment = "top_middle",
    gap_x = -430,
    gap_y = 240,

    double_buffer = true,
    default_color = "white",
}

conky.text = [[
${exec python ~/.config/conky/regular_time.py}
]]

🐍 Step 3: Python Script (Regular Schedule)

Create:

~/.config/conky/regular_time.py

#!/bin/python

from datetime import datetime as dt
from datetime import timedelta

periods = [
    {'start': '08:00', 'end': '09:00'},
    {'start': '09:05', 'end': '10:00'},
    {'start': '10:10', 'end': '11:00'},
    {'start': '11:05', 'end': '12:00'},
    {'start': '14:00', 'end': '15:00'},
    {'start': '15:05', 'end': '16:00'},
    {'start': '16:05', 'end': '17:00'},
    {'start': '17:05', 'end': '18:00'},
]

now = (dt.now() - timedelta(minutes=30)).time().strftime('%H:%M')

# Friday adjustment
if dt.now().weekday() == 4:
    now = (dt.now() - timedelta(minutes=60)).time().strftime('%H:%M')

for period in periods:
    if now >= period['start'] and now < period['end']:
        remaining = (
            dt.strptime(period['end'], '%H:%M') -
            dt.strptime(now, '%H:%M')
        ).total_seconds() // 60

        print(int(remaining))
        break

🕌 Step 4: Ramadan Schedule

Create:

~/.config/conky/ramadan_time.py

from datetime import datetime as dt

periods = [
    {'start': '08:40', 'end': '09:25'},
    {'start': '09:30', 'end': '10:15'},
    {'start': '10:25', 'end': '11:10'},
    {'start': '11:15', 'end': '12:00'},
    {'start': '12:30', 'end': '13:15'},
    {'start': '13:20', 'end': '14:05'},
    {'start': '14:15', 'end': '15:00'},
    {'start': '15:05', 'end': '15:50'},
]

# Friday Ramadan schedule
if dt.now().weekday() == 4:
    periods = [
        {'start': '08:30', 'end': '09:15'},
        {'start': '09:20', 'end': '10:05'},
        {'start': '10:15', 'end': '11:00'},
        {'start': '11:05', 'end': '11:50'},
        {'start': '13:40', 'end': '14:25'},
        {'start': '14:30', 'end': '15:15'},
        {'start': '15:25', 'end': '16:10'},
        {'start': '16:15', 'end': '17:00'},
    ]

now = dt.now().time().strftime('%H:%M')

for period in periods:
    if now >= period['start'] and now < period['end']:
        remaining = (
            dt.strptime(period['end'], '%H:%M') -
            dt.strptime(now, '%H:%M')
        ).total_seconds() // 60

        print(int(remaining))
        break

🔁 Step 5: Switch Between Modes

To use Ramadan mode, simply change your Conky config:

${exec python ~/.config/conky/ramadan_time.py}

No other changes needed.

🎯 Why This Works Well

•Always visible: no need to check the clock

•Zero interaction: runs automatically at startup

•Accurate pacing: helps manage lessons better

•Adaptable: supports Ramadan and Friday schedules

🚀 Possible Improvements

•Change color when time is low

•Add sound alerts

•Display current period number

•Merge both scripts into one with auto-detection

🧩 Final Thoughts

This is a small tool, but it has a real impact on daily teaching.

It removes the need to constantly think about time and lets me focus entirely on explaining math and interacting with students.