Grief counselors will be at Gateway High School, Gateway Middle School and Moss Side Middle School in Monroeville today, tomorrow and next week to help students and teachers cope with the slaying of a high school cheerleader.

Demi Cuccia, 16, a junior, was stabbed to death last night. Her 19-year-old boyfriend, John Mullarkey, was found nearby after apparently trying to kill himself with a knife. He is in critical condition.

Counselors were to be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, tomorrow and Monday through Thursday next week.

Gateway Superintendent Dr. Cleveland Steward Jr. released a statement today saying "I speak for the entire Gateway community when I say how shocked and deeply saddened we are by this terrible tragedy.

"As a school district, our first priority today is to provide support for the students affected by this tragedy. Counseling services are now available for any members of the Gateway community who need help to deal with their feelings of grief, shock and confusion."

The statement added that district officials do not know the circumstances surrounding the incident, which is still being investigated by police.

"At this time, it would not be appropriate for the district to comment on the investigation or provide additional information on the young people involved," Dr. Steward's statement said.